Rudiment (noun)

1. The basic elements or principles of something.
2. A thing in its earliest or original form, often lacking the developed structure or full function of later stages.

Origin:

Late 16th century: from latin rudimentum, from rudis "rough, uncultivated".

Examples:

1. The study of genetics is a rudiment of biology.
2. In music, rudiments are the basic techniques and patterns.
3. The company was in its rudiment, only a few employees were working there.
4. The painting was a rudiment of the artist's talent.
5. Rudiments of mathematics are taught in primary school.