[kwɪnˈtɛsns], (Noun)

Definitions:
- the most perfect or typical example of a quality or class
(e.g: he was the quintessence of political professionalism)

- a refined essence or extract of a substance.

- (in classical and medieval philosophy) a fifth substance in addition to the four elements, thought to compose the heavenly bodies and to be latent in all things.


Phrases:

Origin:
late Middle English (as a term in philosophy): via French from medieval Latin quinta essentia ‘fifth essence’