primer

A substance used to prime wood, metal, etc. in preparation for painting.

A layer of such a substance.

A layer of makeup that goes beneath the foundation; undermakeup.

Any substance or device, such as priming wire or blasting cap, used to ignite gunpowder or other explosive.

A molecule which initiates the synthesis of an enzyme, (especially) a single-stranded nucleic acid molecule which initiates DNA replication.

A device used to prime an internal combustion engine with gasoline, (especially) in airplanes.

A pheromone which interacts first with the endocrine system.

A person who prunes trees.

(no longer used) A person who primes explosives.

(no longer used) A person who primes wood, metal, etc.

(no longer used) First in time, initial, early.

(no longer used) First in importance, premier.

(no longer used, rare) First in position, foremost.

A children's book intended to teach literacy: how to read, write, and spell.

An introductory text on any subject, particularly basic concepts.

(historical) A prayer or devotional book intended for laity, initially an abridgment of the breviary and manual including the hours of the Virgin Mary, 15 gradual and 7 penitential psalms, the litany, the placebo and dirige forming the office of the dead, and the commendations.

(historical) Any of various similar works issued in England for private prayer in accordance with the Book of Common Prayer.

(New-Zealand, no longer used) An elementary school class; an elementary school student.