Main Entry: es·sence

Pronunciation: \ˈes-^ən(t)s\

Function: noun

1 : a substance considered to possess in high degree the predominant qualities of a natural product (as a plant or drug) from which it is extracted (as by distillation or infusion)
2 a : essential oil b : an alcoholic solution especially of an essential oil <essence of peppermint> c : an artificial preparation (as an alcoholic solution of one or more esters) used especially in flavoring d : elixir