jezgra

Jezgra is a noun used in several South Slavic languages, notably Croatian, Bosnian, and Serbian. It carries several related meanings linked by the idea of centrality: core, kernel, or nucleus. The term can also refer to the seed or pit of a fruit. Etymologically, it stems from a common Slavic root associated with the inner part or heart of something.

In scientific and technical contexts, jezgra denotes the central or essential part of a system or object. For example, jezgra atoma refers to the atomic nucleus, while jezgra sistema or jezgra programa can be used to describe the core component of a system or software. Usage varies by language and field, and more specialized terminology is often preferred in formal writing.

In botany and everyday speech, jezgra is frequently used to mean the seed or stone of a fruit, such as the pit inside a peach or plum. The exact regional usage may differ, and specific terms for seeds or pits can vary by fruit and dialect.

In figurative language, jezgra stands for the heart or essence of an issue—the central point that remains after removing outer layers. Phrases such as “jezgra problema” convey a focus on the core matter.

See also: related terms in Slavic languages, such as the equivalents of nucleus, kernel, and core; terminology for seeds and pits in fruit.