quintessence
About Our Definitions: All forms of a word (noun, verb, etc.) are now displayed on one page.
About Our Definitions: All forms of a word (noun, verb, etc.) are now displayed on one page.quin·tes·sence
noun \kwin-ˈte-sən(t)s\Definition of QUINTESSENCE
1
: the fifth and highest element in ancient and medieval philosophy that permeates all nature and is the substance composing the celestial bodies
2
: the essence of a thing in its purest and most concentrated form
3
: the most typical example or representative <the quintessence of calm>
— quin·tes·sen·tial \ˌkwin-tə-ˈsen(t)-shəl\ adjective
— quin·tes·sen·tial·ly adverb
See Examples of QUINTESSENCE
- <the Parthenon in Greece was considered the quintessence of the perfectly proportioned building>
- <a selfless desire to help others is the quintessence of the virtue of charity>
Origin of QUINTESSENCE
Middle English, from Middle French quinte essence, from Medieval Latin quinta essentia, literally, fifth essence
First Known Use: 15th century
Related to QUINTESSENCE
- Synonyms
- acme, apotheosis, beau ideal, byword, classic, epitome, exemplar, ideal, perfection
Other Philosophy Terms
Learn More About QUINTESSENCE
Browse
Next Word in the Dictionary: quintessentialize
Previous Word in the Dictionary: quinternion
All Words Near: quintessence
Previous Word in the Dictionary: quinternion
All Words Near: quintessence
Seen & Heard 
What made you want to look up quintessence? Please tell us where you read or heard it (including the quote, if possible).
