WordWeb Online

1. The choicest or most essential or most vital part of some idea or experience
   "the essence of the prosecutor's argument";
   - kernel, substance, core, center [US], centre [Brit, Cdn], gist, heart, heart and soul, inwardness, marrow, meat, nub, pith, sum, nitty-gritty
    
2. Any substance possessing to a high degree the predominant properties of a plant, drug or other natural product from which it is extracted
    
3. The central meaning or theme of a speech or literary work
   - effect, burden, core, gist
    
4. A toiletry that emits and diffuses a fragrant odour
   - perfume, scent
    
5. (philosophy) the true nature of anything; the defining property or properties of something

Derived forms: essences

Type of: cognitive content, content, import, meaning, mental object, significance, signification, substance, toilet articles, toiletry

Encyclopedia: Essence