Priming

(prim'ing.) (From L. primus.] (Paint.) The first batch of color laid on canvas, or on a building, wall, & c.-(Steam-Engin.) The spray with which wet steam is charged in the boilers and cylinders of steam engines. Minute particles of water after being carried into the cylinder, collect in a body, and thus obstructing the pa age of the piston, cause a considerable lo of steam-power. [s. 732]