Primer — Meaning, Definition & Synonyms

noun /ˈpri-mər/ (noun) /ˈprī-mər/ (noun) prim·er

Meaning & Definition of Primer

Primer (noun)

  1. a small book for teaching children to read
  2. a small introductory book on a subject
  3. a short informative piece of writing
  4. a device for priming; especially, a cap, tube, or wafer containing percussion powder or compound used to ignite an explosive charge
  5. material used in priming a surface —called also prime coat
  6. a molecule (such as a short strand of RNA or DNA) whose presence is required for formation of another molecule (such as a longer chain of DNA)

Primer (noun) — Senses, Synonyms & Antonyms

  1. a book used for instruction in a subject

    "a primer of human anatomy"

    similar: handbook, manual, text, textbook
    related: schoolbook, grammar, reader, speller, tract, treatise, dictionary, lexicon, vocabulary, wordbook, casebook, encyclopedia, reference, bible, guide, guidebook

Synonyms, Thesaurus & Another Word for Primer

The most common words with a similar meaning to Primer:

handbook, manual, text, textbook

Related Words for Primer

schoolbook, grammar, reader, speller, tract, treatise, dictionary, lexicon, vocabulary, wordbook, casebook, encyclopedia, reference, bible, guide, guidebook

Origin & Etymology of Primer

Middle English, "layperson's prayer book," borrowed from Anglo-French, borrowed from Medieval Latin prīmārius, prīmārium, noun derivatives from masculine and neuter of prīmārius "lying at the beginning, primary:1"

First known use: 14th century

Frequently Asked Questions about Primer

What does "Primer" mean?

"Primer" means a small book for teaching children to read. As a noun, it is defined as: a small book for teaching children to read.

What is another word for "Primer"?

Other words for "Primer" include handbook, manual, text and textbook. The best synonym depends on which meaning of "Primer" you intend.

What are different ways to say "Primer"?

There are 20 words and phrases with a similar meaning to "Primer". Common alternatives include handbook, manual, text and textbook.

How do you use "Primer" in a sentence?

Examples of "Primer" in a sentence: "a primer of human anatomy".

Is "Primer" a noun, verb, or adjective?

"Primer" is a noun.

How do you pronounce "Primer"?

"Primer" is pronounced /ˈpri-mər/ as a noun and /ˈprī-mər/ as a noun and divided into syllables as prim·er.

What is the origin of the word "Primer"?

"Primer" comes from Middle English, "layperson's prayer book," borrowed from Anglo-French, borrowed from Medieval Latin prīmārius, prīmārium, noun derivatives from masculine and neuter of prīmārius "lying at the beginning, primary:1". First known use: 14th century.

What is another word for "Primer" meaning "a book used for instruction in a subject"?

When "Primer" (noun) means a book used for instruction in a subject, synonyms include handbook, manual, text and textbook.