Answer: nub

AnswerCrossword Clue
NUBThe real issue
NUBWorn-down part
NUBCentral part
NUBPencil on its last legs
NUBSmall lump
NUBCentral point
NUBCenter
NUBOne-inch pencil, say
NUBCore; kernel
NUBPencil stump
NUBPunch line
NUBGist of a story
NUBThe heart of the matter
NUBSmall piece
NUBPith.
NUBKnob.
NUBPoint: Colloq.
NUBGist: Colloq.
NUBPencil stub
nubthe gist
nubknob or lump
nubto hang (to suspend (to stop for a period))
NUBEssence of an idea
NUBPencil that's been much used
NUBPencil at the end of its life
NUBCrux of the matter
NUBStump
NUBKnob or knot.
NUBStubby end
NUBPencil, late in life
NUBShort piece of a pencil
NUBItty-bitty pencil
NUBRun-down pencil
NUBPencil stump, e.g.
NUBGist of the matter
NUBThe skinny
NUBHeart
NUBKernel
NUBHeart of the matter
NUBMuch-used pencil