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
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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 See all Example Sentences for prime number 

Word History

Etymology

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

First Known Use

1570, in the meaning defined above

Time Traveler
The first known use of prime number was in 1570

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

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