the real or ultimate nature of an individual being or thing, or its most important qualities, those that make it what it is, esp as opposed to its existence or its accidental qualities
the properties or attributes by means of which something can be categorized or identified
somebody or something that embodies the fundamental nature of an idea, characteristic, etc
an extract, essential oil, etc possessing the special qualities of a plant, drug, etc in concentrated form, or a preparation, e.g. a perfume or flavouring, made from such a substance
an extract, essential oil, etc possessing the special qualities of a plant, drug, etc in concentrated form, or a preparation containing such a substance
an odour or perfume
She was the very essence of courtesy
something that exists, esp in an abstract form; an entity
basically, briefly, and most importantly
of the utmost importance; essential
Time was of the essence