The Chinese word **精髓** (jīngsuǐ) is a compound term formed by combining two characters, each contributing to its overall meaning. **精** (jīng) originally refers to the "essence," "refined substance," or "spirit" of something, often derived from a process of refinement. **髓** (suǐ) literally means "marrow," the vital, innermost part of a bone. When combined, the term creates a powerful metaphor: just as marrow is the core, life-nourishing substance within a bone, **精髓** figuratively represents the "quintessence," "pith," or "essential and most valuable part" of an idea, theory, or tradition—its very core essence and lifeblood.