meat meat /ˈmiːt/

noun

1. () The flesh of animals (including fishes and birds and snails) used as food  ( meat )
   the flesh of animals (including fishes and birds and snails) used as food
    I buy my meat from a local butcher who sources from ethical farms
   I buy my meat from a local butcher who sources from ethical farms
   
   
2. The choicest or most essential or most vital part of some idea or experience  ( centre [Canadian, British] , gist , heart and soul , inwardness , kernel , marrow , meat , nitty-gritty , nub , center [American] , core , essence , heart , pith , substance , sum )
   the choicest or most essential or most vital part of some idea or experience
    The gist of the prosecutor's argument
   the gist of the prosecutor's argument
    The heart and soul of the Republican Party
   the heart and soul of the Republican Party
    The nub of the story
   the nub of the story
   
3. The inner and usually edible part of a seed, grain, nut or fruit stone  ( kernel , meat )
   the inner and usually edible part of a seed, grain, nut or fruit stone
    Black walnut kernels are difficult to get out of the shell
   black walnut kernels are difficult to get out of the shell