ns]
| 1. | the basic, real, and invariable nature of a thing or its significant individual feature or features: Freedom is the very essence of our democracy. |
| 2. | a substance obtained from a plant, drug, or the like, by distillation, infusion, etc., and containing its characteristic properties in concentrated form. |
| 3. | an alcoholic solution of an essential oil; spirit. |
| 4. | a perfume; scent. |
| 5. | Philosophy. the inward nature, true substance, or constitution of anything, as opposed to what is accidental, phenomenal, illusory, etc. |
| 6. | something that exists, esp. a spiritual or immaterial entity. |
| 7. | in essence, essentially; at bottom, often despite appearances: For all his bluster, he is in essence a shy person. |
| 8. | of the essence, absolutely essential; critical; crucial: In chess, cool nerves are of the essence. |