primer

Plural: primers

Noun

• A small introductory book on a subject or a preparatory coating.
• an introductory textbook
• any igniter that is used to initiate the burning of a propellant
• the first or preliminary coat of paint or size applied to a surface
• A prayer or devotional book intended for laity, initially an abridgment of the breviary and manual including the hours of the Virgin Mary, 15 gradual and 7 penitential psalms, the litany, the placebo and dirige forming the office of the dead, and the commendations.
• Any of various similar works issued in England for private prayer in accordance with the Book of Common Prayer.
• A children's book intended to teach literacy: how to read, write, and spell.
• An introductory text on any subject, particularly basic concepts.
• An elementary school class; an elementary school student.
• Any substance or device, such as priming wire or blasting cap, used to ignite gunpowder or other explosive.
• A person who primes explosives.
• A substance used to prime wood, metal, etc. in preparation for painting.
• A layer of such a substance.
• A layer of makeup that goes beneath the foundation; undermakeup.
• A person who primes wood, metal, etc.
• A molecule which initiates the synthesis of an enzyme, (especially) a single-stranded nucleic acid molecule which initiates DNA replication.
• A pheromone which interacts first with the endocrine system.
• A device used to prime an internal combustion engine with gasoline, (especially) in airplanes.
• A person who prunes trees.

Adj

• First in time, initial, early.
• First in importance, premier.
• First in position, foremost.

Examples

• This game functions as a primer for understanding advanced Scrabble strategies.

Synonyms

flat coat, fuse, fusee, fuze, fuzee, ground, primer coat, priming, priming coat, undercoat, book of hours, prayer book

Related Words

primary, prime