essence essence /ˈɛsəns/

noun

1. () The choicest or most essential or most vital part of some idea or experience  ( centre [Canadian, British] , gist , heart and soul , inwardness , kernel , marrow , meat , nitty-gritty , nub , center [American] , core , essence , heart , pith , substance , sum )
   the choicest or most essential or most vital part of some idea or experience
    The gist of the prosecutor's argument
   the gist of the prosecutor's argument
    The heart and soul of the Republican Party
   the heart and soul of the Republican Party
    The nub of the story
   the nub of the story
   
2. A toiletry that emits and diffuses a fragrant odor  ( essence , perfume )
   a toiletry that emits and diffuses a fragrant odor
    She loved wearing her favorite perfume, which had a floral scent
   She loved wearing her favorite perfume, which had a floral scent
   
   
3. The central meaning or theme of a speech or literary work  ( burden , core , essence , effect , gist )
   the central meaning or theme of a speech or literary work
   
4. Any substance possessing to a high degree the predominant properties of a plant, drug or other natural product from which it is extracted  ( essence )
   any substance possessing to a high degree the predominant properties of a plant, drug or other natural product from which it is extracted