Definify.com
Webster 1913 Edition
Pith
1.
(Bot.)
The soft spongy substance in the center of the stems of many plants and trees, especially those of the dicotyledonous or exogenous classes. It consists of cellular tissue.
2.
(a)
(Zool.)
The spongy interior substance of a feather.
(b)
(Anat.)
The spinal cord; the marrow.
3.
Hence: The which contains the strength of life; the vital or essential part; concentrated force; vigor; strength; importance;
as, the speech lacked
. pith
Enterprises of great
pith
and moment. Shakespeare
Pith paper
. Same as
Rice paper
, under Rice
.Pith
,Verb.
T.
(Physiol.)
To destroy the central nervous system of (an animal, as a frog), as by passing a stout wire or needle up and down the vertebral canal.
Webster 1828 Edition
Pith
PITH
, n.1.
The soft spungy substance in the center of plants and trees.2.
In animals, the spinal marrow.3.
Strength or force.4.
Energy; cogency; concentrated force; closeness and vigor of thought and style.5.
Condensed substance or matter; quintessence. The summary contains the pith of the original.6.
Weight; moment; importance. Enterprises of great pith and moment.