pith

Middle English

/ˈpiθ(ə)/

noun

Definitions

The soft interior portion of something, especially:
(figuratively) The essential or vital part; importance.
(figuratively) Power, strength, might.

Etymology

Inherited from Old English piþa inherited from Proto-Germanic *piþô.

Origin

Proto-Germanic

*piþô

Gloss

Timeline

Distribution of cognates by language

Geogrpahic distribution of cognates

Cognates and derived terms

pith English
pithball English
pithful English
pithless English
pithlike English
pithsome English
pithy English
*piþô Proto-Germanic
piþa Old English