pith

1 of 2

noun

ˈpith 

1

a

: a usually continuous central strand of spongy tissue in the stems of most vascular plants that probably functions chiefly in storage

b

: any of various loose spongy plant tissues that resemble true pith

c

: the soft or spongy interior of a part of the body

2

a

: the essential part : core

b

: substantial quality (as of meaning)

3

: importance

pith

2 of 2

verb

pithed; pithing; piths

transitive verb

1

a

: to kill (an animal) by piercing or severing the spinal cord

pith cattle

b

: to destroy the spinal cord or central nervous system of (an animal, such as a frog) usually by passing a wire or needle up and down the spinal canal

2

: to remove the pith from (a plant stem)

Synonyms

Noun

• bottom line
• bull's-eye
• centerpiece
• core
• crux
• essence
• gist
• heart
• kernel
• keynote
• meat
• meat and potatoes
• net
• nub
• nubbin
• nucleus
• pivot
• point
• root
• sum

Examples of pith in a Sentence

Noun

finally got to the pith of the discussion

Recent Examples on the Web

Noun

While the pith of the Great Unbossing movement is the idea that employees can make their own decisions, organizations will always need leadership. —Mark C. Perna, Forbes, 15 Oct. 2024

The placenta of a pepper, often referred to as the pith, is where the capsaicin glands are found. —Kait Hanson, Southern Living, 18 Aug. 2024

Meanwhile, cut away peel and pith from grapefruits. —Gretchen McKay, Twin Cities, 17 July 2024

An expat who has lived in Venice for many years, the lambent Ms. Leon writes police procedurals with pith and grace and case-closing narrative drive. —Neal B. Freeman, National Review, 29 May 2024

Word History

Etymology

Noun

Middle English, from Old English pitha; akin to Middle Dutch & Middle Low German pit pith, pit

First Known Use

Noun

before the 12th century, in the meaning defined at sense 1a

Verb

1805, in the meaning defined at sense 1a

Phrases Containing pith

• pith helmet
• pith ray

Kids Definition

pith

noun

ˈpith

1

a

: the loose spongy tissue that forms the center of the stem in most plants and probably functions chiefly in storage

b

: the spongy inside of a bone or feather

2

: the essential part : core

the pith of the problem

Medical Definition

pith

transitive verb

ˈpith 

1

: to kill (as cattle) by piercing or severing the spinal cord

2

: to destroy the spinal cord or central nervous system of (as a frog) usually by passing a wire or needle up and down the spinal canal