1. (

• kernel ,
• substance ,
• core ,
• center ,
• centre ,
• essence ,
• gist ,
• heart ,
• heart_and_soul ,
• inwardness ,
• marrow ,
• meat ,
• nub ,
• pith ,
• sum ,
• nitty-gritty

) the choicest or most essential or most vital part of some idea or experience; "the gist of the prosecutor's argument"; "the heart and soul of the Republican Party"; "the nub of the story" ;

2. (

• essence

) any substance possessing to a high degree the predominant properties of a plant or drug or other natural product from which it is extracted ;

3. (

• effect ,
• essence ,
• burden ,
• core ,
• gist

) the central meaning or theme of a speech or literary work ;

4. (

• perfume ,
• essence

) a toiletry that emits and diffuses a fragrant odor ;