primer

B2 · Upper Intermediate Uncountable noun

n. a special type of paint put on a surface before the main coat of paint to help it stick.

n. a preparatory coating applied to materials before painting to ensure better adhesion and durability of the finish coat.

“You should apply a coat of primer to the wooden fence before you use the blue paint.”

“Without a high-quality primer, the gloss paint will likely peel from the metal surface within a few months of exposure to the elements.”

B2 · Upper Intermediate Uncountable noun

n. a cream or liquid you put on your face before foundation to make your skin look smoother.

n. a cosmetic product applied before foundation to improve coverage and extend the wear of makeup on the skin.

“She used a hydrating primer to keep her makeup looking fresh all day.”

“The makeup artist insisted that a silicone-based primer was essential for achieving a flawless finish under the studio's harsh lighting.”

C1 · Advanced Countable noun Technology Technical

n. a small device or chemical used to start an explosion in a gun or a bomb.

n. a cap or cylinder containing a small amount of explosive powder used to detonate a larger charge.

“The soldier checked the primer in the cartridge before loading the weapon.”

“The investigation revealed that the blast was delayed because the primer had been compromised by moisture during storage.”

C2 · Proficiency Countable noun Science Technical

n. a small molecule that starts the process of making new DNA.

n. a short strand of RNA or DNA that serves as a starting point for DNA synthesis.

“The scientist added a specific primer to the sample to begin the DNA test.”

“In polymerase chain reaction, the choice of primer is critical for ensuring that only the target sequence is amplified during the thermal cycling.”