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

For one thing, current math benchmarks are mostly pitched to high school or undergraduate-level math—a far cry from research-level math, which often tackles notorious problems unsolved for centuries, such as the distribution of prime numbers. —Byzack Savitsky, science.org, 3 Dec. 2024

There are many mysteries about cicadas: Why do their alarm clocks use prime numbers? —Brian Resnick, Vox, 3 May 2024

Its strength lies in the difficulty of factoring large prime numbers. —Ofer Lidsky, Forbes, 22 Nov. 2024

To make a public key, start with two large prime numbers. —John Pavlus, Quanta Magazine, 15 Nov. 2024

Word History

Etymology

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

First Known Use

1570, in the meaning defined above

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