nub

The word 'nub' is a concise English innovation from the late 17th century, evolving from the earlier form 'knub'. It shares a common Germanic ancestry with the word 'knob', both pointing to a root meaning a rounded protuberance or lump. This physical sense naturally extended metaphorically to signify the central point or gist of a matter, as a lump forms the core of a mass. Thus, the word's journey captures a clear logical progression from a tangible, small object to an abstract, essential idea.

This word is a simplex form. It is a variant or alteration of the earlier English word 'knub', which itself is related to 'knob'. Its origin is likely Low German or Middle Dutch (e.g., 'knubbe').