noun
quintessence
Quintessence (noun) means the best and most typical example of something.
noun
1
The best and most typical example of something.
2
Something in its pure form.
3
The most concentrated and basic part of something.
"Dickie, a one-man entertainment empire, was at least as significant as those humanitarian titans he brought to life on screen. He was also the quintessence of kindness and modesty, and it was a privilege to have known and worked with him"
— , Richard Attenborough: tributes paid to 'the quintessence of kindness' (2014)
4
In old alchemy, a fifth element thought to fill the sky beyond earth, air, fire and water.
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Etymology
PIE word *pénkʷe From Middle English, borrowed from Middle French, from Medieval Latin quinta essentia (“fifth essence, aether”), equivalent to quint- + essence. "Essence" in this context is a synonym for "element". In pre-atomic/Aristotelian theory, there are four known elements or essences — Earth, Air, Fire and Water — and a putative fifth element (aether), which is considered to be of exceptional superior quality to the other four basic elements.
Synonyms
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Rhymes for quintessence
See all rhymes for quintessence →Frequently asked questions
What is the meaning of quintessence?
"quintessence" (noun) means the best and most typical example of something.
What is another word for quintessence?
Other words for "quintessence" include archetype, ether, template, icon, pattern, epitome.
What are the different meanings of quintessence?
"quintessence" has 3 main meanings: 1. The best and most typical example of something; 2. Something in its pure form; 3. The most concentrated and basic part of something.
