crux

/krʌks/
noun
  1. The most important or difficult part of a problem or issue.
    • Finding a way to pay for college was the crux of her worries.
    • The crux of the argument was whether to spend more money on education.
    • The crux of the mystery was the missing key.
What does "crux" mean? | whatsthatwordmean | whatsthatwordmean