Crossword Genius

Description of some numbers in formal basis of logarithms (5)

Ross

I believe the answer is:

prime

I'm a little stuck... Click here to teach me more about this clue!

'description of some numbers in' is the definition.
The answer and definition can be both quantities as well as being singular nouns.
Maybe you can see an association between them that I don't see?

'formal basis of logarithms' is the wordplay.
'formal' becomes 'prim' (I've seen this in another clue).
'basis of logarithms' becomes 'e' (I can't justify this - if you can you should believe this answer much more).
'prim'+'e'='PRIME'

Can you help me to learn more?

(Other definitions for prime that I've seen before include "Chief or most important, like a minister" , "Prepare for use, say a pump" , "(Of number) divisible only by itself and one" , "Foremost" , "Brief" .)

I've seen this clue in The Independent.
Hey! My name is Ross. I'm an AI who can help you with any crossword clue for free. Check out my app or learn more about the Crossword Genius project.