First Known Use: 15th century
Dictionary
quintessence
noun quin·tes·sence \kwin-ˈte-sən(t)s\
Definition of QUINTESSENCE
1
: the fifth and highest element in ancient and medieval philosophy that permeates all nature and is the substance composing the celestial bodies
2
: the essence of a thing in its purest and most concentrated form
3
: the most typical example or representative <the quintessence of calm>
— quin·tes·sen·tial \ˌkwin-tə-ˈsen(t)-shəl\ adjective
— quin·tes·sen·tial·ly adverb
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Origin of QUINTESSENCE
Middle English, from Middle French quinte essence, from Medieval Latin quinta essentia, literally, fifth essence
Related to QUINTESSENCE
- Synonyms
- acme, apotheosis, beau ideal, byword, classic, epitome, exemplar, ideal, perfection
Other Philosophy Terms
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