/ ˈesns; NAmE / noun
1.
[ U ] essence (of sth) the most important quality or feature of sth, that makes it what it is :
His paintings capture the essence of France.
In essence (= when you consider the most important points) , your situation isn't so different from mine.
2.
[ U , C ] a liquid taken from a plant, etc. that contains its smell and taste in a very strong form :
essence of rosewood
( BrE )
coffee / vanilla / almond essence
—see also extract
•
IDIOMS
- of the essence
••
WORD ORIGIN
late Middle English : via Old French from Latin essentia , from esse be.