Main Entry: es·sence

Pronunciation: \ˈe-s^ən(t)s\

Function: noun

Etymology: Middle English essencia, from Latin essentia, from esse to be — more at is

Date: 14th century

1 a : the permanent as contrasted with the accidental element of being b : the individual, real, or ultimate nature of a thing especially as opposed to its existence <a painting that captures the essence of the land> c : the properties or attributes by means of which something can be placed in its proper class or identified as being what it is
2 : something that exists : entity
3 a (1) : a volatile substance or constituent (as of perfume) (2) : a constituent or derivative possessing the special qualities (as of a plant or drug) in concentrated form; also : a preparation of such an essence or a synthetic substitute b : odor, perfume
4 : one that possesses or exhibits a quality in abundance as if in concentrated form <she was the essence of punctuality>
5 : the most significant element, quality, or aspect of a thing or person <the essence of the issue>

— in essence : in or by its very nature : essentially, basically <was in essence an honest person>

— of the essence : of the utmost importance <time is of the essence>