rudiments

Noun

rudiment (plural rudiments)

1. (in plural, often) A fundamental principle or skill, especially in a field of learning.
   • We'll be learning the rudiments of thermodynamics next week.

   Synonyms:

   basics, fundamentals

2. (in plural, often) A form that lacks full or complex development.
   • I have the rudiments of an escape plan.
3. A body part that no longer has a function
4. In percussion, one of a selection of basic drum patterns learned as an exercise.
   • Show me your rudiments.2014, Damien Chazelle, Whiplash, spoken by Terence Fletcher (J. K. Simmons)

See all 5 meanings of rudiment