nub

Heart of matter

A nub is a small lump or knob—a protuberance that sticks out from a surface: the nub of a broken branch.

The word extends to what remains after something has been worn down: a pencil worn to a nub.

Figuratively, the nub of something is its central point or essence: Let's get to the nub of the problem.

protrusion

bump

Slight collision or protrusion

  • lumpShapeless solid mass
  • stubRetained portion after detachment
  • stumpTrunk base after felling

node · nodule · knot · projection · protuberance · bulge · swelling · snag · boss · ridge

essence

core

Central essential portion

  • cruxMost important point
  • gistCentral meaning distilled
  • heartCirculatory system's pump

kernel · pith · quintessence · substance · point · thrust · upshot · meat · marrow · takeaway

texture

rough

Uneven in surface

worn · stubby · gnarled · textured · coarse · uneven · nobby · lumpy · pebbled · tweed

Categories
Opposites
essence/centrality

nubperiphery

Boundary or outer region

exterior · circumference · margin · fringe · outside

physical form

nubcavity

Empty space within

indentation · depression · recess · hollow · hole

Family

nubbin, nubs, nubbly, nubbed

Familiarity
Top 100,000
Profile
Known to kids · Used worldwide · Timeless · Concrete · Everyday, not technical · Rated G