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pith

noun
\ ˈpith How to pronounce pith (audio) \

Definition of pith

 (Entry 1 of 2)

1a : 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
2a : the essential part : core
b : substantial quality (as of meaning)
3 : importance

pith

verb
pithed; pithing; piths

Definition of pith (Entry 2 of 2)

transitive verb

1a : to kill (an animal) by piercing or severing the spinal cord pith cattle
b : to destroy the spinal cord or central nervous system of (an animal, such as a frog) usually by passing a wire or needle up and down the spinal canal
2 : to remove the pith from (a plant stem)
Synonyms More Example Sentences Learn More about pith

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Examples of pith in a Sentence

Noun

 finally got to the pith of the discussion

Recent Examples on the Web: Noun

 Using a paring knife, remove the orange peel, along any of the white pith. — Jeff Koehler, Twin Cities, "With these Moroccan salads, vegetables come first — and in dazzling abundance," 8 Aug. 2019 Using a paring knife, remove the orange peel, along any of the white pith. — Jeff Koehler, Twin Cities, "With these Moroccan salads, vegetables come first — and in dazzling abundance," 8 Aug. 2019 Using a paring knife, remove the orange peel, along any of the white pith. — Jeff Koehler, Washington Post, "With these Moroccan salads, vegetables come first — and in dazzling abundance," 5 Aug. 2019 Holding the fruit in your hand, cut the segments from between each membrane; the idea is to leave behind all the membrane in one piece, and any white pith. — Washington Post, "A fresh 20-minute take on the classic pairing of salmon and citrus," 30 July 2019 Cut away the peel and white pith of orange and grapefruit. — The Good Housekeeping Test Kitchen, Good Housekeeping, "Lime Tilapia with Citrus-Avocado Salsa," 1 July 2019 Cut away the peel and white pith of orange and grapefruit. — The Good Housekeeping Test Kitchen, Good Housekeeping, "Lime Tilapia with Citrus-Avocado Salsa," 1 July 2019 Brodesser-Akner is a master of zeitgeisty pith and Toby, while occasionally too saintly for realism’s sake, is a delightful mensch. — Vogue, "10 New Books to Read This Summer," 31 May 2019 With sharp knife, cut peel and white pith from orange; discard. — Good Housekeeping, "Raspberry-Almond Trifle," 2 Nov. 2011

Recent Examples on the Web: Verb

 Neither was Trey Wingenter, who warmed up multiple times before pithing an inning Tuesday and three innings in the four-game series in Colorado. — San Diego Union-Tribune, "Padres notes: Machado’s long single; home run record; Paddack back Saturday," 20 June 2019

These example sentences are selected automatically from various online news sources to reflect current usage of the word 'pith.' Views expressed in the examples do not represent the opinion of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.

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First Known Use of pith

Noun

before the 12th century, in the meaning defined at sense 1a

Verb

1805, in the meaning defined at sense 1a

History and Etymology for pith

Noun

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

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More Definitions for pith

pith

noun
How to pronounce pith (audio)

English Language Learners Definition of pith

: the white covering that is found under the skin of oranges, lemons, etc.
: the most important part of something

See the full definition for pith in the English Language Learners Dictionary

pith

noun
\ ˈpith How to pronounce pith (audio) \

Kids Definition of pith

1 : the loose spongy tissue forming the center of the stem in most plants
2 : the important part the pith of the problem

pith

transitive verb
\ ˈpith How to pronounce pith (audio) \

Medical Definition of pith

1 : to kill (as cattle) by piercing or severing the spinal cord
2 : to destroy the spinal cord or central nervous system of (as a frog) usually by passing a wire or needle up and down the spinal canal

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