/es"euhns/ , n.
1. the basic, real, and invariable nature of a thing or its significant individual feature or features: Freedom is the very essence of our democracy.
2. a substance obtained from a plant, drug, or the like, by distillation, infusion, etc., and containing its characteristic properties in concentrated form.
3. an alcoholic solution of an essential oil; spirit.
4. a perfume; scent.
5. Philos. the inward nature, true substance, or constitution of anything, as opposed to what is accidental, phenomenal, illusory, etc.
6. something that exists, esp. a spiritual or immaterial entity.
7. in essence , essentially; at bottom, often despite appearances: For all his bluster, he is in essence a shy person.
8. of the essence , absolutely essential; critical; crucial: In chess, cool nerves are of the essence.
[ 1350-1400; ME essencia essentia. See ESSE, -ENCE ]
Syn. 1. substance, spirit, lifeblood, heart, principle, soul, core.