■ noun
1》 the intrinsic nature or indispensable quality of something, which determines its character: conflict is the ~ of drama.
↘ Philosophy a property or group of properties of something without which it would not exist or be what it is.
2》 an extract or concentrate obtained from a plant or other substance and used for flavouring or scent.
Phrases
in ~ basically; fundamentally.
of the ~ critically important.
Origin
ME: via OFr. from L. essentia , from esse 'be'.