/ kwɪnˈtesns; NAmE / noun [ sing. ] the ~ of sth ( formal )
1.
the perfect example of sth :
It was the quintessence of an English manor house.
2.
the most important features of sth
SYN essence :
a painting that captures the quintessence of Viennese elegance
► quint·es·sen·tial / ˌkwɪntɪˈsenʃl; NAmE / adjective :
He was the quintessential tough guy.
► quint·es·sen·tial·ly / -ʃəli; NAmE / adverb
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WORD ORIGIN
late Middle English (as a term in philosophy): via French from medieval Latin quinta essentia fifth essence.