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

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.