priming
|prim-ing|
/ˈpraɪmɪŋ/
(prime)
best quality or prepare
Etymology
'prime' originates from Latin, specifically the word 'primus', where 'prim-' meant 'first'.
'prime' changed through Old French 'premier' and Middle English forms (e.g. 'primen' / 'primeren') and eventually became the modern English verb and adjective 'prime', from which 'priming' is formed as the present-participle/noun.
Initially, it was tied to the idea of being 'first' or 'primary', but over time one sense developed into 'make ready' or 'prepare in advance', which led to the modern senses of 'prime' and 'priming'.
Meanings by Part of Speech
Noun 1
the action or process of applying a primer or initial coating to a surface (e.g., paint primer) to prepare it for finishing.
The priming of the wall improved paint adhesion.
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Noun 2
in psychology and cognitive science, exposure to a stimulus that influences response to a later stimulus; the effect produced by such exposure.
Semantic priming made participants respond faster to related words.
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Noun 3
the act of making a pump or engine ready for operation by filling or preparing it (e.g., removing air from a pump so it will draw liquid).
Priming of the pump was necessary before starting the irrigation system.
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Verb 1
present-participle form of 'prime': performing the action of preparing or making ready (including applying primer or preparing by giving preliminary information or stimuli).
They are priming the seals before assembly.
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Adjective 1
serving to prepare or make ready; having been made ready (often seen in compounds like 'priming coat' or contexts like 'priming effect').
A priming coat was applied to the metal before painting.
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Last updated: 2025/11/16 08:50