1. Alphabet — usually used in plural
2. The rudiments of reading, writing, and spelling — usually used in plural
3. The rudiments of a subject — usually used in plural
ETYM Latin abecedarius. A word from the first four letters of the alphabet.
A novice learning the rudiments of some subject.
pertaining to the order of the alphabet; rudimentary.
ETYM Originally, the book read at prime, the first canonical hour. Late Lat. primae liber. Related to Prime.
1. A device for priming; especially; a cap, tube, or wafer containing percussion powder or compound used to ignite an explosive charge.
2. Material used in priming a surface — called also prime coat.
3. An introductory textbook.
Livre pour apprendre l'alphabet.
1. Alphabetically arranged.
2. In alphabetical order; SYN. alphabetical.
3. Of elementary education; the primary grades; SYN. basal, basic, beginning, primary.