Answer: nub

AnswerCrossword Clue
NUB

Gist of a story

NUB

Pencil on its last legs

NUB

Small lump

NUB
Central point
NUB
Center
NUBOne-inch pencil, say
NUBCore; kernel
NUBThe real issue
NUBPunch line
NUBCentral part
NUBThe heart of the matter
NUBSmall piece
NUBPith.
NUBKnob.
NUBPoint: Colloq.
NUBGist: Colloq.
NUBKnob or knot.
NUBPoint; gist.
NUBShort piece of a pencil
NUBEssence of an idea
NUBPencil that's been much used
NUBPencil at the end of its life
NUBCrux of the matter
NUBStump
NUBPencil stub
NUBStubby end
NUBPencil, late in life
NUBGist of a story: Colloq.
NUBItty-bitty pencil
NUBRun-down pencil
NUBPencil stump, e.g.
NUBGist of the matter
NUBThe skinny
NUBPencil stump
NUBWorn-down part
NUBMuch-used pencil, maybe
NUBHeart of the matter
NUBMuch-used pencil
NUBCrux
NUBWorn-down pencil