Primer
/ˈpraɪ.mər/noun
A first book for beginners, or a substance that prepares a surface for painting or coating.
Did you know?In English, *primer* split into two major senses: an early spelling/reading book and a painting prep coat, both tied to the idea of something that comes first.
Etymological Timeline
Latin
Latin
primarius
“first, chief”
Old French
Old French
primer
“to take first place; to begin”
Middle English
English
primer
“a first or introductory book, especially for learning to read”
16th Century
English
primer
“a first coat or layer applied to prepare a surface”
Modern English
English
primer
“an introductory book or a preparatory coating”