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   essence

   /ˈɛsns/

   noun

   • 1. the intrinsic nature or indispensable quality of something, especially something abstract, which determines its character: "conflict is the essence of drama" Similar quintessencesoulspiritethosnaturelifelifebloodcoreheartcentrecruxnubnucleuskernelmarrowmeatpithgistsubstanceprinciplecentral partfundamental qualitybasic qualityessential partintrinsic naturesum and substancerealityactualityquiddityesseinformal:nitty-gritty
   • ▪ a property or group of properties of something without which it would not exist or be what it is: "Locke's scepticism about our ability to penetrate to the real essences of things"
   • 2. an extract or concentrate obtained from a plant or other matter and used for flavouring or scent: "vanilla essence" Similar extractconcentrateconcentrationquintessencedistillateelixirabstractiondecoctionjuicetincturesolutionsuspensiondilutionscentperfume

   Word Origin late Middle English: via Old French from Latin essentia, from esse ‘be’.

   Scrabble Points: 9

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