quintessence

noun quin·tes·sence \kwin-ˈte-s^ən(t)s\

Definition of QUINTESSENCE

: the fifth and highest element in ancient and medieval philosophy that permeates all nature and is the substance composing the celestial bodies

: the essence of a thing in its purest and most concentrated form

: 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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Middle English, from Middle French quinte essence, from Medieval Latin quinta essentia, literally, fifth essence

First Known Use: 15th century

Synonyms: acme, apotheosis, beau ideal, byword, classic, epitome, exemplar, ideal, perfection

Next Word in the Dictionary: quintessentializePrevious Word in the Dictionary: quinternionAll Words Near: quintessence

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