Main Entry: ¹pith

Pronunciation: \ˈpith\

Function: noun

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

Date: before 12th century

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