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essence definition

es·sence (esəns)

noun

  1. something that is, or exists; entity
  2. that which makes something what it is; intrinsic, fundamental nature or most important quality (of something); essential being
    1. a substance that keeps, in concentrated form, the flavor, fragrance, or other properties of the plant, drug, food, etc. from which it is extracted; essential oil
    2. a solution of such a substance or oil in alcohol
    3. a perfume
  3. Philos.
    1. the inward nature of anything, underlying its manifestations; true substance
    2. the indispensable conceptual characteristics and relations of anything

Etymology: ME < OFr & L essentia < esse, to be: for IE base see is

essence Idioms

in essence

essentially

of the essence

of the greatest importance

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