the choicest or most essential or most vital part of some idea or experience; the gist of the prosecutors argument; the heart and soul of the Republican Party; the nub of the story

[ Syn: kernel , substance , core , center , centre , gist , heart , heart and soul , inwardness , marrow , meat , nub , pith , sum , nitty-gritty ]

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

the central meaning or theme of a speech or literary work

[ Syn: effect , burden , core , gist ]

a toiletry that emits and diffuses a fragrant odor

[ Syn: perfume ]