'Rudiment' definitions:

Definition of 'rudiment'

(from WordNet)
noun
The elementary stages of any subject (usually plural); "he mastered only the rudiments of geometry" [syn: rudiment, first rudiment, first principle, alphabet, ABC, ABC's, ABCs]
noun
The remains of a body part that was functional at an earlier stage of life; "Meckel's diverticulum is the rudiment of the embryonic yolk sac"

Definition of 'Rudiment'

From: GCIDE
  • Rudiment \Ru"di*ment\ (r[udd]"d[i^]*ment), n. [L. rudimentum, fr. rudis unwrought, ignorant, rude: cf. F. rudiment. See Rude.]
  • 1. That which is unformed or undeveloped; the principle which lies at the bottom of any development; an unfinished beginning. [1913 Webster]
  • but I will bring thee where thou soon shalt quit Those rudiments, and see before thine eyes The monarchies of the earth. --Milton. [1913 Webster]
  • the single leaf is the rudiment of beauty in landscape. --I. Taylor. [1913 Webster]
  • 2. Hence, an element or first principle of any art or science; a beginning of any knowledge; a first step. [1913 Webster]
  • This boy is forest-born, And hath been tutored in the rudiments of many desperate studies. --Shak. [1913 Webster]
  • There he shall first lay down the rudiments Of his great warfare. --Milton. [1913 Webster]
  • 3. (Biol.) An imperfect organ or part, or one which is never developed. [1913 Webster]

Definition of 'Rudiment'

From: GCIDE
  • Rudiment \Ru"di*ment\, v. t. To furnish with first principles or rules; to insrtuct in the rudiments. --Gayton. [1913 Webster]

Synonyms of 'rudiment'

From: Moby Thesaurus

Words containing 'Rudiment'