noun
rudiment
ROO-dih-munt/rˈudɪmʌnt/
An elementary part from which something develops.
Students learn the rudiments of music before composing their own songs.
Etymology
Latin rudimentum meant early training or a first beginning. From the first lessons in a subject, the word came to name its basic principles and, more broadly, something not yet fully developed.
In context
Here the rudiment of a thought struck her and changed the current of her reason. A thought so winged with hope that she dared not even try to complete it!
More examples
- The tiny bud contains the rudiment of a leaf.
- These early sketches show the rudiments of her later style.
- He teaches new drummers a few basic rudiments.
Forms
rudiment · rudiments
rudimentary adjective — Basic or not yet fully developed.
Similar words
- element
- Any component, not necessarily an early or undeveloped one.
- fundamental
- An essential principle, not necessarily an undeveloped starting point.