ˈesns n. 1
the indispensable quality or
element identifying a
thing or determining
its character;
fundamental nature or
inherent characteristics. 2 a an
extract obtained by
distillation etc.,
esp. a
volatile oil. b a
perfume or
scent, esp.
made from a
plant or
animal substance. 3 the
constituent of a plant
that determines its
chemical properties. 4 an
abstract entity; the
reality underlying a
phenomenon or
all phenomena. øin essence fundamentally. of the essence indispensable,
vital. [ME f. OF f. L essentia f. esse be]