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quintessence

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quintessential

Main Entry:: quin·tes·sence
Pronunciation:: \kwin-ˈte-s^ən(t)s\
Function:: noun
Etymology:: Middle English, from Middle French quinte essence, from Medieval Latin quinta essentia, literally, fifth essence
Date:: 15th century

1 : the fifth and highest element in ancient and medieval philosophy that permeates all nature and is the substance composing the celestial bodies 2 : the essence of a thing in its purest and most concentrated form 3 : the most typical example or representative <the quintessence of calm>

— quin·tes·sen·tial

Listen to the pronunciation of quintessential

\ˌkwin-tə-ˈsen(t)-shəl\ adjective

— quin·tes·sen·tial·ly adverb

Learn more about "quintessence" and related topics at Britannica.com

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