the quintessence

noun

formal

1

: the most important part (of something)

The quintessence of music is the melody.

2

: the perfect example (of something)

He was the quintessence of calm.

Examples of the quintessence in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web

One of the benefits of going to college is to hear adults talk in new, unexpected ways, employing fresh language that embodies the quintessence of an idea or concept. — David Shribman, Christian Science Monitor, 10 Oct. 2026

The restaurant has always reflected the quintessence of the West End — creative, theatrical and full of character. — Mary Wenthur, Footwear News, 9 June 2026

Commissioned in the early twentieth century for the Marquise de Polignac, the château was envisioned as a social domain, the quintessence of French art de vivre. — William Jones, USA Today, 18 May 2026

The 28-year-old is the quintessence of modern Milan. — James Horncastle, New York Times, 5 Mar. 2026

Rhymes for the quintessence

• acquiescence
• adolescence
• coalescence
• convalescence
• effervescence
• efflorescence
• evanescence
• incandescence
• inflorescence
• iridescence
• luminescence
• obsolescence