Etymology Map
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Prime

2 stages from Latin to English.

Today it means of first importance

Where does the word "prime" come from? It comes from Latin primus, adopted directly into English (1300s).

1
Stage 1 of 2
primus
Latin · ancient
"first"
the root of 'primary' and 'prince'
2
Stage 2 of 2
prime
English · 1300s
"first"
prime numbers date from the 1500s; 'prime time' from the 1960s
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Read the full story

Prime’s story begins in Latin: primus meant “first.” The root of 'primary' and 'prince'. It reached English by 1300s as prime. Prime numbers date from the 1500s; 'prime time' from the 1960s. Today, prime means of first importance.