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
See rudiment defined for kids ADVERTISEMENT
Origin of RUDIMENT
Latin rudimentum beginning, from rudis raw, rude
RUDIMENTAL 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
Learn More About RUDIMENT
Browse
Next Word in the Dictionary: rudimentaryPrevious Word in the Dictionary: rudgeAll Words Near: rudiment
ADVERTISEMENT
Seen & Heard
What made you want to look up rudiment? Please tell us where you read or heard it (including the quote, if possible).