essence

/ˈɛsns/

/ˈɛsɪns/

Other forms: essences

Essence is whatever most sums up the heart and soul of something, its truest most indispensable qualities. The essence of Las Vegas is poker chips and dreams; the essence of Johnny Cash is black clothing and country music.

Essence can be a physical detail, or, just as commonly, the abstract idea or meaning of something. The essence of Lady Chatterly's Lover might be its revolutionary eroticism, or the essence of religion its devotion to God. Essence can also mean the concentrate obtained from a flower or plant for flavoring. If you've chewed strawberry-flavored bubblegum you're probably amazed at how it truly is the very essence of strawberries.

Definitions of essence

1. noun

   the choicest or most essential or most vital part of some idea or experience
   synonyms: center, centre, core, gist, heart, heart and soul, inwardness, kernel, marrow, meat, nitty-gritty, nub, pith, substance, sum

   types:

   bare bones

   (plural) the most basic facts or elements

   hypostasis

   (metaphysics) essential nature or underlying reality

   haecceity, quiddity

   the essence that makes something the kind of thing it is and makes it different from any other

   distillation, quintessence

   the purest and most concentrated essence of something

   stuff

   a critically important or characteristic component

   type of:

   cognitive content, content, mental object

   the sum or range of what has been perceived, discovered, or learned
2. noun

   the central meaning or theme of a speech or literary work
   synonyms: burden, core, effect, gist

   type of:

   import, meaning, significance, signification

   the message that is intended or expressed or signified
3. noun

   any substance possessing to a high degree the predominant properties of a plant or drug or other natural product from which it is extracted
   type of:

   substance

   the real physical matter of which a person or thing consists
4. noun

   a toiletry that emits and diffuses a fragrant odor
   synonyms: perfume

   types:

   cologne, cologne water, eau de cologne

   a perfumed liquid made of essential oils and alcohol

   pachouli, patchouli, patchouly

   a heavy perfume made from the patchouli plant

   perfumery

   perfumes in general

   potpourri

   a jar of mixed flower petals and spices used as perfume

   rose water

   perfume consisting of water scented with oil of roses

   eau de toilette, toilet water

   a perfumed liquid lighter than cologne

   type of:

   toilet articles, toiletry

   artifacts used in making your toilet (washing and taking care of your body)