ETYM Latin rudimentum, from rudis unwrought, ignorant, rude: cf.
1. The elementary stages of any subject (usually plural); SYN. first principle.
2. The remains of a body part that was functional at an earlier stage of life.
3. French rudiment. Related to Rude.
4. Elementary principle; undeveloped part or organ.
1. Ébauche. Un rudiment de connaissance.
2. (Au pluriel) Notions. Avoir des rudiments de chimie.