Definition of essence
- n. - The constituent elementary notions which constitute a
complex notion, and must be enumerated to define it; sometimes called
the nominal essence.
- n. - The constituent quality or qualities which belong to any
object, or class of objects, or on which they depend for being what
they are (distinguished as real essence); the real being, divested of
all logical accidents; that quality which constitutes or marks the true
nature of anything; distinctive character; hence, virtue or quality of
a thing, separated from its grosser parts.
- n. - Constituent substance.
- n. - A being; esp., a purely spiritual being.
- n. - The predominant qualities or virtues of a plant or drug,
extracted and refined from grosser matter; or, more strictly, the
solution in spirits of wine of a volatile or essential oil; as, the
essence of mint, and the like.
- n. - Perfume; odor; scent; or the volatile matter constituting
perfume.
- v. t. - To perfume; to scent.