First Known Use: 1548
Dictionary
rudiment
noun ru·di·ment \ˈrü-də-mənt\
Definition of RUDIMENT
1
: a basic principle or element or a fundamental skill —usually used in plural <teaching themselves the rudiments of rational government — G. B. Galanti>
2
a : something unformed or undeveloped : beginning —usually used in plural <the rudiments of a plan> b (1) : a body part so deficient in size or structure as to be entirely unable to perform its normal function (2) : an organ just beginning to develop : anlage
— ru·di·men·tal \ˌrü-də-ˈmen-təl\ adjective
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Origin of RUDIMENT
Latin rudimentum beginning, from rudis raw, rude
RUDIMENT Defined for Kids
rudiment
noun ru·di·ment \ˈrü-də-mənt\
Definition of RUDIMENT for Kids
: a basic principle
Medical Dictionary
rudiment
noun ru·di·ment \ˈrüd-ə-mənt\
Medical Definition of RUDIMENT
: an incompletely developed organ or part; especially : an organ or part just beginning to develop : anlage
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