Essence
/ˈɛs.əns/noun
The intrinsic nature or indispensable quality of something that determines its character.
Did you know?The word 'essence' stems from the Latin 'essentia', which was used in alchemical texts to denote the soul or spirit of a substance, linking it to the very nature of existence.
Etymological Timeline
Latin
Latin
essentia
“The quality of being; existence.”
Late Latin
Late Latin
essentia
“The fundamental nature or essence of a thing.”
14th Century
Middle English
essence
“The intrinsic nature of something; its fundamental quality.”
Modern English
English
essence
“The fundamental nature or characteristic of something, often related to its spirit or soul.”
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