primer

Pronunciation: /ˈpɹɪm.əɹ/

Reading level: hard

Estimated CEFR level: C2 — Proficiency

Estimated from word frequency; not an official CEFR classification.

Definition

  1. noun an introductory textbook
  2. noun any igniter that is used to initiate the burning of a propellant
  3. noun the first or preliminary coat of paint or size applied to a surface

Etymology

From Middle English primer, primere, from Medieval Latin primarius and primarium (“prayer book”) possibly via Anglo-Norman primer (“prayer book”), from prima (“prime the liturgical hour and office”) + -arius and -arium (suffix forming related objects). Its use for schoolbooks derived from the late medieval and early modern use of such prayer books to teach reading.

In classic literature

Semantic network

Broader (hypernyms)
textbook
Narrower (hyponyms)
hornbook, speller

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