I. ˈkrüd adjective
( crud·er ; crud·est )
Etymology: Middle English, from Latin crudus raw, crude, undigested — more at raw
Date: 14th century
1. : existing in a natural state and unaltered by cooking or processing
crude oil
2. archaic : unripe , immature
3. : marked by the primitive, gross, or elemental or by uncultivated simplicity or vulgarity
a crude stereotype
4. : rough or inexpert in plan or execution
a crude shelter
5. : lacking a covering, glossing, or concealing element : obvious
crude facts
6. : tabulated without being broken down into classes
the crude death rate
Synonyms: see rude
• crude·ly adverb
• crude·ness noun
II. noun
Date: circa 1904
: a substance in its natural unprocessed state ; especially : unrefined petroleum