First Known Use: 14th century
Dictionary
1crude
adjective \ˈkrüd\
: very simple and basic : made or done in a way that does not show a lot of skill
: rude in a way that makes people uncomfortable; especially : talking about sexual matters in a rude way
: very simple and basic in a way that is true but not complete
crud·ercrud·est
Full Definition of CRUDE
1
: existing in a natural state and unaltered by cooking or processing <crude oil>
3
: marked by the primitive, gross, or elemental or by uncultivated simplicity or vulgarity <a crude stereotype>
4
: rough or inexpert in plan or execution <a crude shelter>
5
: lacking a covering, glossing, or concealing element : obvious <crude facts>
6
: tabulated without being broken down into classes <the crude death rate>
— crude·ly adverb
— crude·ness noun
See crude defined for English-language learners
See crude defined for kids
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Origin of CRUDE
Middle English, from Latin crudus raw, crude, undigested — more at raw
Related to CRUDE
Synonym Discussion of CRUDE
rude, rough, crude, raw mean lacking in social refinement. rude implies ignorance of or indifference to good form; it may suggest intentional discourtesy <rude behavior>. rough is likely to stress lack of polish and gentleness <rough manners>. crude may apply to thought or behavior limited to the gross, the obvious, or the primitive <a crude joke>. raw suggests being untested, inexperienced, or unfinished <turning raw youths into polished performers>.
2crude
noun
: oil as it exists in the ground : petroleum that is not yet ready to be used as fuel
Full Definition of CRUDE
: a substance in its natural unprocessed state; especially : unrefined petroleum
See crude defined for English-language learners
First Known Use of CRUDE
circa 1904
CRUDE Defined for Kids
crude
adjective \ˈkrüd\
crud·ercrud·est
Definition of CRUDE for Kids
1
: in a natural state and not changed by special treatment : raw <crude oil> <crude sugar>
2
: planned or done in a rough or unskilled way <a crude drawing>
3
: not having or showing good manners : vulgar <crude language>
— crude·ly adverb
— crude·ness noun
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