essence

/ˈɛsəns/
noun
  1. The basic or most important quality of something that makes it what it is.
    • The essence of her argument is that education should be free for everyone.
    • He captured the essence of the city in his photographs.
    • Freedom is the essence of democracy.
  2. A concentrated liquid that has the strong smell or taste of a particular plant or food, used for flavoring or fragrance.
    • Add a few drops of vanilla essence to the cake batter.
    • The perfume contains essence of rose and jasmine.
    • She used almond essence to flavor the cookies.
What does "essence" mean? | whatsthatwordmean | whatsthatwordmean