<p><strong>Noun</strong></p><ul><li>A vital, basic, decisive, or pivotal point: The crux of the trial was his whereabouts at the time of the murder.</li><li>A cross.</li><li>Something that torments by its puzzling nature; a perplexing difficulty.</li></ul><p><strong>Synonyms</strong></p><ul><li>Gist</li><li>Core</li><li>Heart</li><li>Essence</li></ul>