noun

1. The central part of fruit, containing the kernels or seeds.

   “the core of an apple or quince”

2. The heart or inner part of a physical thing

3. The center or inner part of a space or area

   “the core of a square”

verb

1. To remove the core of an apple or other fruit.

2. To extract a sample with a drill.

Synonyms: crux, gist