noun
1. a toiletry that emits and diffuses a fragrant odor
Synonym: perfume
2. the choicest or most essential or most vital part of some idea or experience
e.g. the gist of the prosecutor's argumentthe heart and soul of the Republican Partythe nub of the story
Synonym: kernelsubstancecorecentercentregistheartheart and soulinwardnessmarrowmeatnubpithsumnitty-gritty
3. the central meaning or theme of a speech or literary work
Synonym: effectburdencoregist
4. any substance possessing to a high degree the predominant properties of a plant or drug or other natural product from which it is extracted