prime number

noun

: any integer other than 0 or ± 1 that is not divisible without remainder by any other integers except ± 1 and ± the integer itself

Examples of prime number in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web The mass eruption, scientists believe, is strategic, but many mysteries about cicadas remain: Why do their alarm clocks use prime numbers? Vox Staff, Vox, 6 May 2024 Not all mysteries about prime numbers have been solved, however. Manon Bischoff, Scientific American, 7 June 2024 These smaller polynomials, known as irreducible polynomials, are the prime numbers of the polynomial world. Kevin Hartnett, Quanta Magazine, 6 May 2024 In 1994, mathematician Peter Shor discovered an algorithm that created a method for a quantum computer to calculate the large prime numbers used in encryption. TIME, 29 Apr. 2024 See all Example Sentences for prime number 

These examples are programmatically compiled from various online sources to illustrate current usage of the word 'prime number.' Any opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback about these examples.

Word History

Etymology

translation of Late Latin prīmus numerus, translation of Greek prôtos arithmós

First Known Use

1570, in the meaning defined above

Time Traveler
The first known use of prime number was in 1570

Dictionary Entries Near prime number

Cite this Entry

“Prime number.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/prime%20number. Accessed 7 Jul. 2024.

Kids Definition

prime number

noun
: a whole number other than 0 or ±1 that is not divisible without a remainder by any other whole numbers except ±1 and ± itself

More from Merriam-Webster on prime number

Last Updated: - Updated example sentences
Love words? Need even more definitions?

Subscribe to America's largest dictionary and get thousands more definitions and advanced search—ad free!