Dictionary-Definition.com :: Priming definition

Definition of 'priming'

noun

The act of making something ready

noun

Any igniter that is used to initiate the burning of a propellant [syn: fuse, fuze, fusee, fuzee, primer, priming]

noun

The first or preliminary coat of paint or size applied to a surface [syn: flat coat, ground, primer, priming, primer coat, priming coat, undercoat]

From: GCIDE

Prime \Prime\, v. t. [imp. & p. p. Primed; p. pr. & vb. n. Priming.] [From Prime, a.]
1. To apply priming to, as a musket or a cannon; to apply a primer to, as a metallic cartridge. [1913 Webster]
2. To lay the first color, coating, or preparation upon (a surface), as in painting; as, to prime a canvas, a wall. [1913 Webster]
3. To prepare; to make ready; to instruct beforehand; to post; to coach; as, to prime a witness; the boys are primed for mischief. [Colloq.] --Thackeray. [1913 Webster]
4. To trim or prune, as trees. [Obs. or Prov. Eng.] [1913 Webster]
5. (Math.) To mark with a prime mark. [1913 Webster]
To prime a pump, to charge a pump with water, in order to put it in working condition. [1913 Webster]

From: GCIDE

Priming \Prim"ing\, n.
1. The powder or other combustible used to communicate fire to a charge of gunpowder, as in a firearm. [1913 Webster]
2. (Paint.) The first coating of color, size, or the like, laid on canvas, or on a building, or other surface. [1913 Webster]
3. (Steam Eng.) The carrying over of water, with the steam, from the boiler, as into the cylinder. [1913 Webster]
Priming of the tide. See Lag of the tide, under 2d Lag.
Priming tube, a small pipe, filled with a combustible composition for firing cannon.
Priming valve (Steam Eng.), a spring safety valve applied to the cylinder of a steam engine for discharging water carried into the cylinder by priming.
Priming wire, a pointed wire used to penetrate the vent of a piece, for piercing the cartridge before priming. [1913 Webster]