essence

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es·sence / ˈesəns/ • n. the intrinsic nature or indispensable quality of something, esp. something abstract, that determines its character: conflict is the essence of drama. ∎  Philos. a property or group of properties of something without which it would not exist or be what it is. ∎  something that exists; in particular, a spiritual entity: the position that names express essences. ∎  an extract or concentrate obtained from a particular plant or other matter and used for flavoring or scent.

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