1
a
: a usually continuous central strand of spongy tissue in the stems of most vascular plants that probably functions chiefly in storage
b
: any of various loose spongy plant tissues that resemble true pith
c
: the soft or spongy interior of a part of the body
2
a
: the essential part : core
b
: substantial quality (as of meaning)
3
pithed; pithing; piths
1
a
: to kill (an animal) by piercing or severing the spinal cord
pith cattle
b
: to destroy the spinal cord or central nervous system of (an animal, such as a frog) usually by passing a wire or needle up and down the spinal canal
2
: to remove the pith from (a plant stem)
Examples of pith in a Sentence
Noun
finally got to the pith of the discussion
Recent Examples on the Web
Mike Desimone, Robb Report, 26 Dec. 2025
Doing so removes much of the bitterness that lurks in the pith of the citrus, leaving you with a super-fragrant, extremely orange garnish that won’t stab the back of your tastebuds with a spear of bitterness.
—Tricia Manzanero Stuedeman, Southern Living, 23 Dec. 2025
Finely grate the zest of the orange while avoiding the white pith.
—Lynda Balslev, Mercury News, 23 Dec. 2025
Don’t strip away the white pith.
—Dr. Steven Gundry, CNBC, 21 Nov. 2025
See All Example Sentences for pith
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Noun
Mandois Brut Origine has delicate aromas of white flowers, citrus pith, and Granny Smith apple that translate to the palate with flavors of brioche, white stone fruits, and crisp acidity in the finish.
—Mike Desimone, Robb Report, 26 Dec. 2025
Doing so removes much of the bitterness that lurks in the pith of the citrus, leaving you with a super-fragrant, extremely orange garnish that won’t stab the back of your tastebuds with a spear of bitterness.
—Tricia Manzanero Stuedeman, Southern Living, 23 Dec. 2025
Finely grate the zest of the orange while avoiding the white pith.
—Lynda Balslev, Mercury News, 23 Dec. 2025
Don’t strip away the white pith.
—Dr. Steven Gundry, CNBC, 21 Nov. 2025
See All Example Sentences for pith
Cite this Entry
“Pith.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/pith. Accessed 31 Dec. 2025.
Copy CitationMedical Definition
pith
transitive verb1
: to kill (as cattle) by piercing or severing the spinal cord
2
: to destroy the spinal cord or central nervous system of (as a frog) usually by passing a wire or needle up and down the spinal canal
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