Quintessence:
 

Merriam-Webster Online Dictionary



One entry found for quintessence.


Main Entry: quin·tes·sence
Pronunciation: kwin-'te-s&n(t)s
Function: noun
Etymology: Middle English, from Middle French quinte essence, from Medieval Latin quinta essentia, literally, fifth essence
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
- quin·tes·sen·tial /"kwin-t&-'sen(t)-sh&l/ adjective
- quin·tes·sen·tial·ly adverb