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Added 9 October 2026

core

/kɔː/ noun

Latin root: cor Wiktionary

noun Definition from Wiktionary (CC BY-SA). Pronunciation from Wiktionary, via Kaikki.org. More about core at Wordnik → Where our words come from →

In general usage, an essential part of a thing surrounded by other essential things.
the core of an apple or quince
The central part of a fruit, containing the kernels or seeds.
the core of an apple or quince
The heart or inner part of a physical thing.

adjective

Forming the most important or essential part.
Deeply and authentically involved in the culture surrounding the sport.

verb

To remove the core of an apple or other fruit.
To cut or drill through the core of (something).
To extract a sample with a drill.

noun

A body of individuals; an assemblage.

Origin

From Middle English core, kore, coor (“apple-core, pith”), of obscure and uncertain origin. Possibly of native English origin, from Old English *cor, related to Old English *coruc, *corc (diminutive) (> Middle English cork, crok (“core of an apple or other fruit, heart of an onion”)) and Old English corn (“seed", also "grain”); or alternatively perhaps from Old French cuer (“heart”), from Latin cor (“heart”); or from Old French cors (“body”), from Latin corpus (“body”). Compare also Middle English colk, coke, coll (“the heart or centre of an apple or onion, core”), Dutch kern (“core”), German Kern (“core”). See also heart, corpse.

From Wiktionary, via Kaikki.org (CC BY-SA)

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