1. A preparatory coat of paint or other substance:
* This is the most common meaning of "primer" in the context of painting or decorating. It's applied to a surface before the final coat of paint to create a smooth, even base and improve adhesion.
2. A basic introductory textbook:
* This meaning is often used for books that teach the fundamentals of a subject, like "a primer on grammar" or "a primer on coding."
3. A small explosive charge:
* In the context of explosives, "primer" refers to a small detonator that initiates a larger explosion.
4. A preparatory step:
* This meaning is more general and refers to anything that prepares for a subsequent action, like "a primer on public speaking" or "a primer for a new job."
5. A type of oligonucleotide:
* In molecular biology, a primer is a short sequence of nucleotides used in polymerase chain reaction (PCR) to initiate DNA synthesis.
To understand the meaning of "primer" in a specific context, pay attention to the surrounding words and the overall topic.