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crude

adj.
US //ˈkɹud// UK //kɹˈuːd// crude
  1. 1 natural and untreated (adj.)
    B2 Upper Intermediate Science

    in a natural state and not yet cleaned or processed.

    existing in a natural state and not yet subjected to refining or manufacture.

    Example

    The factory processes crude sugar into the white crystals we buy in shops.

    Example

    The environmental impact of transporting crude materials across the ocean remains a significant concern for international regulatory bodies.
  2. 2 simple or rough (adj.)
    B2 Upper Intermediate

    made in a simple or rough way without much skill.

    characterised by a lack of sophistication, detail, or expert workmanship.

    Example

    They built a crude shelter out of branches to stay dry during the storm.

    Example

    Early explorers often relied on crude maps that lacked precise longitudinal data but provided essential landmarks for coastal navigation.
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  1. 3 rude or offensive (adj.)
    C1 Advanced Informal

    rude and likely to offend people.

    lacking in culture, refinement, or tact; often used to describe offensive language or jokes.

    Example

    He was asked to leave the party after making several crude remarks.

    Example

    The comedian's reliance on crude humour alienated a significant portion of the audience who had expected a more nuanced performance.
  2. 4 not adjusted (adj.)
    C1 Advanced Academic Technical Science

    describing a number or statistic that has not been changed to show more detail.

    referring to statistics or data that have not been adjusted for specific factors or variables.

    Example

    The crude birth rate shows the number of births per thousand people.

    Example

    While the crude data suggested a correlation, the researchers needed to control for age and income before drawing a final conclusion.
Origin

From Middle English crude, borrowed from Latin crūdus (“raw, bloody, uncooked, undigested, crude”). Doublet of crudo, from Italian. Cognate with Old English hrēaw (“raw, uncooked”) via Proto-Indo-European *krewh₂- (“raw blood”); more at raw.

Word family

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