n (1)(苹果等)果核(hard and solid central part of certain fruits such as apple and pear，containing the seeds)[C]：cut out the～of the apple把苹果核挖出来;〖同〗kernel，centre;

(2)核心，要点(most important part of anything)[C]：We must get to the～of the matter/the argument/the subject/the problem.我们应该触及这事情/辩论/议题/问题的核心。The～of our appeal is freedom of speech.我们的要求的核心是言论自由。a subject on the～curriculum核心科目;very(vital)～of sb's theory/sb's work某人理论/所做工作的核心(精髓);〖同〗centre;

(3)电磁铁芯;地核;核反应堆(central part of a magnet or induction coil，the planet earth，a nuclear reactor，etc)[C]：the～of the earth地核;at the～of an atomic reactor在原子反应堆中心处;

to the core 1)直达中心：rotten to the～(fig)完全腐烂了; 2)十分，完全：He is German to the～.他是个十足的德国人。

vt 去掉核(remove the core of sth)[T+n]：～an apple/a pear去掉苹果/梨的核