EnglishMain Dictionary
essence
Universal Words
noun
1 [U] ~ (of sth) the most important quality or feature of sth, that makes it what it is:
His paintings capture the essence of France. * Like so many peasant foods, the essence of pasta is its simplicity. * In essence (= when you consider the most important points), your situation isn't so different from mine.
2 [U,C] a liquid taken from a plant, etc. that contains its smell and taste in a very strong form:
essence of rosewood * (BrE) coffee / vanilla / almond essence
seealsoEXTRACT
IDIOMS
of the essence necessary and very important:
In this situation time is of the essence (= we must do things as quickly as possible).
