nub

Meanings

• a small lump or protuberance
• a small piece
  • "a nub of coal"
• the choicest or most essential or most vital part of some idea or experience
  • "the nub of the story"

Synonyms

center, centre, core, essence, gist, heart, heart and soul, inwardness, kernel, marrow, meat, nitty-gritty, nubble, pith, stub, substance, sum