noun (n)

• the central meaning or theme of a speech or literary work(noun.communication)

  Synonym:
  burden, core, effect, essence
  

  source: wordnet30
• the choicest or most essential or most vital part of some idea or experience(noun.cognition)

  Example:
  The gist of the prosecutor's argument.
  

  Synonym:
  center, centre, core, essence, heart, heart and soul, inwardness, kernel, marrow, meat, nitty-gritty, nub, pith, substance, sum
  

  source: wordnet30
• A resting place.(noun)

  source: webster1913