rudiments

UK: /ˈruːdɪmənts/

WordReference Random House Learner's Dictionary of American English © 2026

ru•di•ment /ˈrudəmənt/   n. 

1. Usually, rudiments. [plural]
   • the elements of a subject:
     the rudiments of grammar.
   • a beginning, first appearance, or imperfect form of something:
     the rudiments of a plan forming in his mind.

WordReference Random House Unabridged Dictionary of American English © 2026

ru•di•ment  (ro̅o̅′də mənt), n. 

1. Usually, rudiments. 
   • the elements or first principles of a subject:
     the rudiments of grammar.
   • a mere beginning, first slight appearance, or undeveloped or imperfect form of something:
     the rudiments of a plan.
2. Developmental Biology [Biol.] 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.

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