Definition of "quintessence" in English

noun

1. A thing that is the most perfect example of its type; the most perfect embodiment of something; epitome, prototype.

2. A pure substance.

3. The essence of a thing in its purest and most concentrated form.

4. (alchemy) The fifth alchemical element, or essence, after earth, air, fire, and water that fills the universe beyond the terrestrial sphere.

5. (physics) A hypothetical form of dark energy postulated to explain observations of an accelerating universe.

verb

1. (transitive) To reduce to its purest and most concentrated essence.