prime number
noun Mathematics.
a positive integer that is not divisible without remainder by any integer except itself and 1, with 1 often excluded: The integers 2, 3, 5, and 7 are prime numbers.
Also called
prime.
Origin of prime number
First recorded in 1585–95
Words nearby prime number
British Dictionary definitions for prime number
prime number
noun
an integer that cannot be factorized into other integers but is only divisible by itself or 1, such as 2, 3, 5, 7, and 11
Sometimes shortened to: prime Compare composite number
Scientific definitions for prime number
prime number
A positive integer greater than 1 that can only be divided by itself and 1 without leaving a remainder. Examples of prime numbers are 7, 23, and 67. Compare composite number.
Cultural definitions for prime number
prime number
A number that cannot be divided evenly by any other number except itself and the number one; 1, 3, 5, 7, and 11 are prime numbers.