pith
Plural
piths
1
the spongy tissue found inside the stems and branches of plants
The pith refers to the spongy, central tissue found in the stems, branches, and sometimes the cores of certain plants. It is composed of parenchyma cells and serves various functions, including storing and transporting water, nutrients, and sugars throughout the plant. In stems and branches, the pith provides structural support and helps maintain the plant's rigidity. In some fruits, such as citrus fruits like oranges and lemons, the pith is also found surrounding the edible segments, although it is often bitter and less desirable for consumption compared to the juicy flesh. Additionally, the pith can play a role in insulation, protecting the plant from extreme temperatures.
- She examined the pith under a microscope to study its cellular structure.
- The pith of the citrus fruit added a bitter taste to the juice.
- We collected samples of pith from different plants to compare their properties.
2
the main meaning or part of something such as a situation, statement, or argument
- He captured the pith of the situation in a single, powerful sentence.
- The article provided a detailed explanation, but the pith was lost in the lengthy text.
- To understand the pith of the statement, you need to read between the lines.
- Her speech was long, but she finally got to the pith of her message.
- To get to the pith of the problem, they needed to analyze the core issues.