quintessence

Meaning

Noun

1. (countable, uncountable) A thing that is the most perfect example of its type; the most perfect embodiment of something; epitome, prototype.
2. (countable, uncountable) A pure substance.
3. (countable, uncountable) The essence of a thing in its purest and most concentrated form.
4. (countable, uncountable) The fifth alchemical element, or essence, after earth, air, fire, and water that fills the universe beyond the terrestrial sphere.
5. (countable, uncountable) A hypothetical form of dark energy postulated to explain observations of an accelerating universe.

Verb

To reduce to its purest and most concentrated essence.

Synonyms

essence

ether

marrow

pith

aether

core

cream

embodiment

entity

epitome

gist

kernel

matter

mystery

nature

nonesuch

nonpareil

nub

paragon

picture

pithiness

pithy

prototype

quiddity

savor

savour

soul

spirit

substance

æther

life blood

the best

acme

true meaning

anima

antitype

being

choice

Translations

quintessence

quintessenza

Quintessenz

quintaesencia

Kern

πεμπτουσία

öz

quinta essència

kwintessens

Inbegriff

αιθήρ

Hauptsache

ουσία

Wesentlichstes

Pronounced as (IPA)

/kwɪn.ˈtɛs.əns/

Etymology

Inherited from Middle English: -

In summary

PIE word
*pénkʷe
From Middle English, borrowed from Middle French, from Medieval Latin quinta essentia (“fifth essence, aether”). "Essence" in this context is a synonym for "element". In pre-atomic/Aristotelian theory, there are four known elements or essences — Earth, Air, Fire and Water — and a putative fifth element (aether), which is considered to be of exceptional superior quality to the other four basic elements.