soft spongelike central cylinder of the stems of most flowering plants
source: WordNet 3.0
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.
source: WordNet 3.0
The soft spongy substance in the center of the stems of many plants and trees, especially those of the dicotyledonous or exogenous classes. It consists of cellular tissue.
source: Webster 1913
verb
remove the pith from (a plant)
source: WordNet 3.0
To destroy the central nervous system of (an animal, as a frog), as by passing a stout wire or needle up and down the vertebral canal.
