the central meaning or theme of a speech or literary work
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 , heart , heart and soul , inwardness , marrow , meat , nub , pith , sum , nitty-gritty ]