meat

(noun) the flesh of animals (including fishes and birds and snails) used as food.

(noun) the inner and usually edible part of a seed or grain or nut or fruit stone. Synonyms: kernel. Example: "Black walnut kernels are difficult to get out of the shell."

(noun) the choicest or most essential or most vital part of some idea or experience. Synonyms: kernel, substance, core, center, centre, essence, gist, heart, heart and soul, inwardness, marrow, nub, pith, sum, nitty-gritty. Examples: "The gist of the prosecutor's argument." "The heart and soul of the republican party." "The nub of the story."