main or most important

This is a prime example of 1930s architecture. 这是20世纪30年代建筑风格的一个重要的范例。

the prime suspect in a murder investigation 谋杀案调查中的主要嫌疑犯

a prime source of evidence 证据的主要来源

The president is a prime (= likely) target for the assassin's bullet. 总统是这名刺客的主要目标。

of the best quality

prime beef 上等牛肉

The hotel is in a prime location in the city centre. 该旅馆位于市中心的黄金地段。

the period in your life when you are most active or successful

This is a dancer in her prime. 这是一位正值巅峰时期的女舞蹈家。

Middle age can be the prime of life if you have the right attitude. 如果心态正确，中年会是人一生中的全盛时期。

I suspect this cheese is past its prime. 我觉得这块奶酪已经不那么新鲜了。

to tell someone something that will prepare them for a particular situation

I'd been primed so I knew not to mention her son. 因为事先得到提醒，所以我知道不要提及她的儿子。

to cover the surface of wood with a special paint before the main paint is put on

to make a bomb or gun ready to explode or fire