quintessence

[ kwin-tes-uhns ]

noun

1. the pure and concentrated essence of a substance.
2. the most perfect embodiment of something.
3. (in ancient and medieval philosophy) the fifth essence or element, ether, supposed to be the constituent matter of the heavenly bodies, the others being air, fire, earth, and water.

quintessence

/ kwɪnˈtɛsəns /

noun

1. the most typical representation of a quality, state, etc
2. an extract of a substance containing its principle in its most concentrated form
3. (in ancient and medieval philosophy) ether, the fifth and highest essence or element after earth, water, air, and fire, which was thought to be the constituent matter of the heavenly bodies and latent in all things

Other Words From

• quin·tes·sen·tial [kwin-t, uh, -, sen, -sh, uh, l], adjective

Word History and Origins

Origin of quintessence¹

1400–50; Middle English < Medieval Latin quīnta essentia fifth essence

Word History and Origins

Origin of quintessence¹

C15: via French from Medieval Latin quinta essentia the fifth essence, translation of Greek pemptē ousia

Example Sentences

The key to quintessence is that it changes in value through cosmic history and can be attractive or repulsive.

From Science Magazine

For 58 years--an eternity in this town--Chasen’s was the quintessence of Hollywood, as sublime as the expensive caviar that is on the menu and as low-brow as the world-famous chili that is not.

From Los Angeles Times

And her longevity feels like a quest in the direction of excellence, as well as a pursuit of her own quintessence.

From Washington Post

An informal shot of Moss and Naomi Campbell, smoking in the Meatpacking district, is the quintessence of cool.

From New York Times

As Walter Benjamin asked, “Is it not the quintessence of experience to find out how very difficult it is to learn many things which apparently could be told in very few words?”

From Washington Post

Related Words

• apotheosis