/ kɔː(r); NAmE / noun , adjective , verb
■ noun
1.
the hard central part of a fruit such as an apple, that contains the seeds
—picture at apple
2.
the central part of an object :
the earth's core
the core of a nuclear reactor
3.
the most important or central part of sth :
the core of the argument
Concern for the environment is at the core of our policies.
4.
a small group of people who take part in a particular activity :
He gathered a small core of advisers around him.
—see also hard core
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IDIOMS
- to the core
■ adjective
1.
most important; main or essential :
core subjects (= subjects that all the students have to study) such as English and mathematics
the core curriculum
We need to concentrate on our core business .
The use of new technology is core to our strategy.
2.
core beliefs, values, principles, etc. the most important or central beliefs, etc. of a person or group :
The party is losing touch with its core values.
3.
used to describe the most important members of a group :
The team is built around a core group of players.
■ verb
[ vn ] to take out the core of a fruit
••
WORD ORIGIN
Middle English : of unknown origin.