n. 1 the indispensable quality or element identifying a thing or determining its character; fundamental nature or inherent characteristics. 2 a an extract obtained by distillation etc., esp. a volatile oil. b a perfume or scent, esp. made from a plant or animal substance. 3 the constituent of a plant that determines its chemical properties. 4 an abstract entity; the reality underlying a phenomenon or all phenomena. in essence fundamentally. of the essence indispensable, vital.
[ ME f. OF f. L essentia f. esse be ]