1. (n.) The purest or most concentrated essence; the most typical instance; as the quintessence of evil. See Ferment.
2. (n.) Hence: An extract from anything, containing its rarest virtue, or most subtle and essential constituent in a small quantity; pure or concentrated essence.
3. (v. t.) To distil or extract as a quintessence; to reduce to a quintessence.
Thesaurus Entries
archetype, axiom, beau ideal, bottom, center, champion, choice, chosen, classic, concentrate, concentration, core, cream, decoction, distillate, distillation, elect, elite, elixir, embodiment, epitome, essence, essential, essentiality, exemplar, extract, extraction, fabric, fat, flower, focus, fundamental, gist, gravamen, heart, hypostasis, ideal, infusion, inner essence, kernel, last word, marrow, masterpiece, masterwork, material, matter, meat, medium, mirror, model, nonesuch, nonpareil, nub, nucleus, nuts and bolts, optimum, paragon, pattern of perfection, personification, pick, pith, postulate, prime, principle, prize, prototype, purification, queen, quid, quiddity, quintessential, refinement, sap, select, soul, spirit, stuff, substance, sum and substance, superlative, the best, the best ever, the nitty-gritty, the tops, the very best, ultimate, very model, virtuality
