rudiment

[ roo-duh-muhnt ]

noun

1. Usually rudiments.
   1. the elements or first principles of a subject:

      the rudiments of grammar.

   2. a mere beginning, first slight appearance, or undeveloped or imperfect form of something:

      the rudiments of a plan.

2. Biology. an organ or part incompletely developed in size or structure, as one in an embryonic stage, one arrested in growth, or one with no functional activity, as a vestige.

rudiment

/ ˈruːdɪmənt /

noun

1. often plural the first principles or elementary stages of a subject
2. often plural a partially developed version of something
3. biology an organ or part in its earliest recognizable form, esp one in an embryonic or vestigial state

Word History and Origins

Origin of rudiment¹

1540–50; < Latin rudīmentum early training, first experience, initial stage, equivalent to rudi ( s ) unformed, rough ( rude ) + -mentum -ment ( -ī- for -i- after verbal derivatives)

Word History and Origins

Origin of rudiment¹

C16: from Latin rudīmentum a beginning, from rudis unformed; see rude

Example Sentences

He called the local demonstrations “highly organized” and a “rudiment of another color revolution,” implying foreign involvement.

From Seattle Times

His work on “Peggy Sue,” is a deceptively simple use of paradiddles, a rudiment that most beginning drum students are taught to practice with a metronome.

From Washington Post

This gave me an idea, or the rudiment of one.

From Literature

Small and flimsy, they offer some rudiment of shelter to the growing ranks of the homeless in a city that prides itself on the wealth of the banks and businesses that help make Britain’s economy the fifth largest in the world.

From New York Times

Nor would the campaign discuss with Politico, or with us, its intentions with regard to this rudiment of transparency.

From Washington Post