Definition of "essence" in English

noun

1. The inherent nature of a thing or idea.

   • CHARITY is a virtue of the heart, and not of the hands, ſays an old writer. Gifts and alms are the expreſſions, not the eſſence of this virtue.

2. (philosophy) The true nature of anything, not accidental or illusory.

3. Constituent substance.

4. A being; especially, a purely spiritual being.

5. A significant feature of something.

6. The concentrated form of a plant or drug obtained through a distillation process.

   • essence of Jojoba

7. An extract or concentrate obtained from a plant or other matter used for flavouring, or as a restorative.

   • vanilla essence

8. Fragrance, a perfume.