I. ˌpäˌreksəˈläⁿs, ˌpȧˌ(r)e-, -län(t)s, ̷ ̷ˈ ̷ ̷ ̷ ̷ˌ ̷ ̷; sometimes ̷ ̷ˈ(r)eks(ə)lən(t)s adverb
Etymology: French, literally by excellence
: preeminently
II. adjective
: being the best of its kind : being an epitome or embodiment
bronze … was the metal par excellence of the more advanced nations — A.L.Kroeber
the grassland par excellence that accounts for the legendary green of Erin — Samuel Van Valkenburg & Ellsworth Huntington
the private secretary par excellence — John Gunther