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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
Not all prime numbers work out that way, but the rare ones that do are called Mersenne primes.
—Margherita Bassi, Smithsonian Magazine, 23 Oct. 2024
Its security relies on the computational difficulty of factoring large prime numbers—a task that is feasible for small numbers but becomes exponentially harder as the numbers grow larger.
—Craig S. Smith, Forbes, 16 Oct. 2024
In theory, such complicated and lengthy prime numbers may have their use in cryptographic algorithms for enhanced cybersecurity.
—Andrew Paul, Popular Science, 24 Oct. 2024
For example, the prime number three is two squared, minus one.
—Margherita Bassi, Smithsonian Magazine, 23 Oct. 2024
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Word History
Etymology
translation of Late Latin prīmus numerus, translation of Greek prôtos arithmós
First Known Use
1570, in the meaning defined above
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 26 Nov. 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
Britannica.com: Encyclopedia article about prime number
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