First among ministers (5)
I believe the answer is:
prime
'first' is the definition.
(similar in meaning)
I don't understand how the remainder of the clue works.
Can you help me to learn more?
(Other definitions for prime that I've seen before include "Fundamental - of highest quality" , "Original" , "(Of number) divisible only by itself and one" , "Maybe eleven" , "Main; make ready" .)