the flesh of animals (including fishes and birds and snails) used as food

the inner and usually edible part of a seed or grain or nut or fruit stone; black walnut kernels are difficult to get out of the shell

[ Syn: kernel ]

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 , essence , gist , heart , heart and soul , inwardness , marrow , nub , pith , sum , nitty-gritty ]