Langimage
English

pith

|pith|

B2

/pɪθ/

central essence

Etymology
Etymology Information

'pith' originates from Old English, specifically the word 'piþa', where it meant 'the soft interior part'.

Historical Evolution

'piþa' transformed into the Middle English word 'pith', and eventually became the modern English word 'pith'.

Meaning Changes

Initially, it meant 'the soft interior part', but over time it evolved into its current meaning of 'the essential or central part'.

Meanings by Part of Speech

Noun 1

the soft or spongy tissue in plants or animals, especially in the stems of plants or the spinal cord of animals.

The pith of the plant is often used in traditional medicine.

Synonyms

Noun 2

the essential or central part; the heart or essence of something.

The pith of the argument was lost in the lengthy discussion.

Synonyms

Antonyms

Last updated: 2025/02/06 15:22