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Definition of priming

priming

/ˈpraɪ.mɪŋ/
prim · ing

Plural:primings
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priming Lexical Profile

priming Game Scores & Validity

• noun

1

The act or process of preparing something for use, operation, or action, such as filling a pump with liquid or applying a preparatory coat to a surface.

Example

"Proper priming of the wooden panels is essential before applying the final coats of gloss paint."


2

In psychology, an implicit memory effect in which exposure to one stimulus influences the response to a subsequent stimulus without conscious guidance or intention.

Example

"The researchers designed an experiment on semantic priming to measure how quickly participants recognized related words."


3

A substance, such as a specialized paint or sealant, applied as a preparatory first coat to a surface to improve adhesion and durability.

Example

"Once the initial priming had dried completely, the artist began sketching the composition onto the canvas."


4

A small charge of gunpowder or other sensitive explosive used to ignite the main charge in a firearm, blasting cap, or firework.

Example

"Moisture in the air had dampened the priming in the antique musket's pan."

Synonyms
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• Rhymes for priming

Cite this Entry


Wordmom. (2026). Definition of Priming. In Wordmom Dictionary. Retrieved Nov 5, 2026, from https://wordmom.com/dictionary/priming
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