The meaning of QUINTESSENCE is the fifth and highest element in ancient and medieval philosophy that permeates all nature and is the substance composing the celestial bodies.

QUINTESSENCE definition: the pure and concentrated essence of a substance. See examples of quintessence used in a sentence.

There is art in all things; there is the quintessence of art in the prosaic and laborious task of firing an engine.

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, …

The quintessence of something is the aspect of it which seems to represent its central nature.

Definition of quintessence noun in Oxford Advanced Learner's Dictionary. Meaning, pronunciation, picture, example sentences, grammar, usage notes, synonyms and more.

quintessence, n. meanings, etymology, pronunciation and more in the Oxford English Dictionary