Definition of "rudiment"

rudiment

/ˈɹuːdɪmənt/

noun
plural rudiments
1. (often in the plural) A fundamental principle or skill, especially in a field of learning.
  Quotations
  This boy is forest-born, / And hath been tutored in the rudiments / Of many desperate studies.
  c. 1598–1600 (date written), William Shakespeare, “As You Like It”, in Mr. William Shakespeares Comedies, Histories, & Tragedies […] (First Folio), London: […] Isaac Iaggard, and Ed[ward] Blount, published 1623, [Act V, scene iv]
2. (often in the plural) A form that lacks full or complex development.
  Quotations
  But I will bring thee where thou soon shalt quit / Those rudiments, and see before thine eyes / The monarchies of the earth.
  1671, John Milton, “(please specify the page)”, in Paradise Regain’d. A Poem. In IV Books. To which is Added, Samson Agonistes, London: […] J. M[acock] for John Starkey […]
  The single leaf is the rudiment of beauty in landscape.
  a. 1865, Isaac Taylor, Ornamentation of Nature
3. (biology) A body part that no longer has a function
4. (music) In percussion, one of a selection of basic drum patterns learned as an exercise.
  Quotations
  Show me your rudiments.
  2014, Damien Chazelle, Whiplash, spoken by Terence Fletcher (J. K. Simmons)
verb
third-person singular simple present rudiments, present participle rudimenting, simple past and past participle rudimented
1. (transitive) To ground; to settle in first principles.