crude

The definition of crude is something rudimentary, undefined or undeveloped, or behavior that is impolite and improper.

(adjective)

  1. An example of something that would be described as crude is your first, rough attempt to build something that didn't turn out very well.
  2. An example of something that would be described as crude is burping on purpose in public and not saying "excuse me."

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See crude in Webster's New World College Dictionary

adjective cruder, crudest

  1. in a raw or natural condition, before being prepared for use; not refined or processed
  2. lacking finish, grace, tact, or taste; uncultured: crude remark
  3. not carefully made or done; rough: crude woodwork
  4. stark and bare; undisguised or unadorned: crude reality
  5. Archaic not ripe; immature
  6. Statistics untreated as by analysis, differentiated into groups, etc.

Origin: ME < L crudus, bleeding, raw, rough < IE base *kreu-, congealed (blood) > raw, Gr kryos, frost & kreas, flesh, L crusta, cruor, MIr cru, blood

noun

an unrefined or unprocessed substance; specif., crude petroleum

Related Forms:

See crude in American Heritage Dictionary 4

crude

adjective cruder crud·er, crudest crud·est
  1. Being in an unrefined or natural state; raw.
  2. Lacking tact or taste; blunt or offensive: a crude, mannerless oaf; a crude remark.
  3. Characterized by uncultured simplicity; lacking in sophistication or subtlety: had only a crude notion of how a computer works.
  4. Not carefully or skillfully made; rough: a quick, crude sketch.
  5. Undisguised or unadorned; plain: must face the crude truth.
  6. Statistics In an unanalyzed form; not adjusted to allow for related circumstances or data.
  7. Archaic Unripe or immature.
noun
A substance, especially petroleum, in its unrefined state.

Origin: Middle English, from Latin crūdus; see kreuə- in Indo-European roots.

Related Forms:

  • crudity cruˈdi·ty (kro͞oˈdĭ-tē), crudeˈness noun

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