noun / adjective / verb

core

KOR/kɔːr/

The central part on which surrounding parts depend.

The halved apple exposes its fibrous core and central seed chambers.

A freshly halved apple exposes its central fibrous core and seed chambers, making the innermost part immediately visible.

Etymology

Core probably comes from Latin “heart” through a French word also used for the inner part of fruit. That image makes the core of something its innermost or most essential part.

In context

Ray Forensics0:12

the core of a fingerprint right here in the center is the innermost recurve at the center of the pattern

How to Compare Fingerprints - The Basics

More examples

She cuts the apple in half and removes the core.
I core the pears before baking them.
The program teaches core skills in reading and math.

Forms

core · cores · cored · coring

corer noun — A tool that removes fruit centers.

Similar words

heart: Emphasizes the most vital part, often with emotional importance.
center: Indicates a middle position without necessarily implying essential importance.
essence: Identifies fundamental nature rather than a central physical structure.