|part of speech: ||(usu. pl.) a basic element, idea, skill, or
the like in a complex subject or activity. The handyman knew
only the rudiments of carpentry. ||(often pl.) something in an
initial, imperfect, or undeveloped form. The rudiments of
civilization were evident in their society. ||an incompletely
developed part of a living organism. ||basic, bottom, element,
essence, essential, germ, principle, vestige