core

noun (1), often attributive

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\ ˈkȯr

plural cores

Definition of core

(Entry 1 of 4)

1 : a central and often foundational part usually distinct from the enveloping part by a difference in nature the core of the city : such as

a : the usually inedible central part of some fruits (such as a pineapple) especially : the papery or leathery carpels composing the ripened ovary in a pome fruit (such as an apple)

b : the muscles of the mid-region of the torso Your core is composed of the muscles that stabilize and move your pelvis, lower back, hips, and trunk.— Adele Jackson-Gibson core muscles/strength core exercises

c : the place in a nuclear reactor where fission (see fission entry 1 sense 3) occurs

d : an arrangement of a course of studies that combines under basic topics material from subjects conventionally separated and aims to provide a common background for all students core curriculum

e : the portion of a foundry mold that shapes the interior of a hollow casting

f : a vertical space (as for elevator shafts, stairways, or plumbing apparatus) in a multistory building

g(1) : a computer memory consisting of an array of cores strung on fine wires broadly : the internal memory of a computer

(2) : a tiny doughnut-shaped piece of magnetic material (such as ferrite) used in computer memories

(3) : a mass of iron serving to concentrate and intensify the magnetic field resulting from a current in a surrounding coil

h : the central part of a celestial body (such as the earth or sun) usually having different physical properties from the surrounding parts

i : a nodule of stone (such as flint or obsidian) from which flakes have been struck for making implements

j : the conducting wire with its insulation in an electric cable

2a : a basic, essential, or enduring part (as of an individual, a class, or an entity) the staff had a core of experts the core of her beliefs

b : the essential meaning : gist the core of the argument

c : the inmost or most intimate part honest to the core

3 : a part (such as a thin cylinder of material) removed from the interior of a mass especially to determine composition