noun an imperfect organ or part, or one which is never developed.
2. rudiment ·vt to furnish with first principles or rules; to insrtuct in the rudiments.
3. rudiment ·noun hence, an element or first principle of any art or science; a beginning of any knowledge; a first step.
4. rudiment ·noun that which is unformed or undeveloped; the principle which lies at the bottom of any development; an unfinished beginning.