prim·er¹ / ˈprīmər/ • n. a substance used as a preparatory coat on previously unpainted wood, metal, or canvas, esp. to prevent the absorption of subsequent layers of paint or the development of rust. ∎  a cap or cylinder containing a compound that responds to friction or an electrical impulse and ignites the charge in a cartridge or explosive. ∎  a small pump for pumping fuel to prime an internal combustion engine, esp. in an aircraft. ∎  Biochem. a molecule that serves as a starting material for a polymerization process.prim·er² / ˈprimər/ • n. an elementary textbook that serves as an introduction to a subject of study or is used for teaching children to read.

Primer ★★★½ 2004 (PG-13)

Writer/ director Carruth's debut film might be the world's first thinkingman's time travel movie, beautifully shot for an absurdly low $7,500. Winner of the 2004 Sundance Grand Jury Prize, the plot revolves around two engineers, Aaron (Carruth) and Abe (Sullivan), who, while trying to develop a patentable invention, accidentally construct a box that allows them to move backwards through time. Carruth piles on the technical jargon, which will either hopelessly confuse viewers or make them love the director for respecting their intelligence. (No character ever whines, “Tell it to me in English, Doc!”) At its core, Carruth's film is a meditation on trust, obsession, power, and the chaos surrounding innovation, combined with a nonlinear storyline that should inspire more repeated viewings than “Donnie Darko.” 80m/C DVD . Shane Carruth, David Sullivan, Casey Gooden, Anand Upadhyaya, Carrie Crawford, Samantha Thomson, Brandon Blagg; D: Shane Carruth; W: Shane Carruth; C: Shane Carruth, Anand Upadhyaya; M: Shane Carruth.

primer prayer-book for the laity XIV; first reading-book, orig. containing elements of religious instruction; size of type XVI; elementary text-book XIX. — AN. primer — medL. primārius, -um, sb. uses of m. and n. of L. prīmārius PRIMARY.

primer A substrate that is required for a polymerization reaction (e.g. the polymerization of DNA or an enzyme) and that is structurally similar to the product of the reaction.