Definition of “essence”

noun

1. the characteristic or intrinsic feature of a thing, which determines its identity; fundamental nature
2. the most distinctive element of a thing  ⇒ the essence of a problem 
3. a perfect or complete form of something, esp a person who typifies an abstract quality  ⇒ he was the essence of gentility 
4. philosophy 
   1. the unchanging and unchangeable nature of something which is necessary to its being the thing it is; its necessary properties Compare accident (sense 4)
   2. the properties in virtue of which something is called by its name
   3. the nature of something as distinct from, and logically prior to, its existence
5. theology an immaterial or spiritual entity
6. 1. the constituent of a plant, usually an oil, alkaloid, or glycoside, that determines its chemical or pharmacological properties
   2. an alcoholic solution of such a substance
7. a substance, usually a liquid, containing the properties of a plant or foodstuff in concentrated form  ⇒ vanilla essence 
8. a rare word for perfume
9. See in essence
10. See of the essence