1. The problem asks to identify the meaning of the word "pristine" as used in the sentence: "Mary looked around at the pristine kitchen, wondering who had taken the time to clean." 2. The word "pristine" is an adjective describing the kitchen. 3. Common meanings of "pristine" include "very clean," "fresh," or "in its original condition." 4. The sentence context suggests the kitchen is very clean because Mary wonders who cleaned it. 5. Therefore, the correct meaning of "pristine" here is "very clean."