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pith  (pĭth)
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Tweet n. 1. The soft, spongy tissue in the center of the stems of most vascular plants, consisting mainly of parenchyma. 2. a. The soft inner substance of a feather or hair. b. The spinal cord. 3. The essential or central part; the heart or essence: The pith of your argument is controversial. 4. Strength; vigor; mettle. 5. Significance; importance: matters of great pith. tr.v. pithed, pith·ing, piths 1. To remove the pith from (a plant stem). 2. To sever or destroy the spinal cord of, usually by inserting a needle into the vertebral canal. 3. To kill (cattle) by cutting the spinal cord. [Middle English, from Old English pitha.] |
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