Noun
1. that which has mass and occupies space;
"an atom is the smallest indivisible unit of matter"2. the stuff of which an object consists
3. the choicest or most essential or most vital part of some idea or experience;
"the gist of the prosecutor's argument""the heart and soul of the Republican Party""the nub of the story"4. the idea that is intended;
"What is the meaning of this proverb?"5. considerable capital (wealth or income);
"he is a man of means"6. what a communication that is about something is about