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| ru·di·ment [ rdəmənt ] (plural ru·di·ments) |
noun |
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| Definition: |
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1. something basic to subject: a basic principle or skill, especially in a particular field or subject
(
often used in the plural
)
  the rudiments of computer programming
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2. beginning: an early stage in the development of something such as a plan
(
often used in the plural
)
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3. biology undeveloped body part: a body part that does not develop fully and performs no useful function. The mammary gland in males is a rudiment.
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4. embryology embryo of organ: an embryonic stage of an organ or body part
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| [Mid-16th century. Directly or via French< Latin rudimentum< rudis "raw, rough"] |
