Prime (symbol)

"Prime 2" and "Prime 3" redirect here. For the respective games in the Metroid Prime series, see Metroid Prime 2: Echoes and Metroid Prime 3: Corruption. Not to be confused with prime number or apostrophe.
′
Prime
″ ‴ ⁗
Double prime Triple prime Quadruple prime

The prime symbol ′, double prime symbol ″, triple prime symbol ‴, and quadruple prime symbol ⁗ are used to designate units and for other purposes in mathematics, science, linguistics and music.

Although the characters differ little in appearance from those of the apostrophe and single and double quotation marks, the uses of the prime symbol are quite different.[1] While an apostrophe is now often used in place of the prime, and a double quote in place of the double prime (due to the lack of prime symbols on everyday writing keyboards), such substitutions are not considered appropriate in formal materials or in typesetting.

  1. ^ Goldberg, Ron (2000). "Quotes". In Frank J. Romano (ed.). Digital Typography: Practical Advice for Getting the Type You Want When You Want It. San Diego: Windsor Professional Information. p. 68. ISBN 1-893190-05-6. OCLC 44619239.