Definition/Meaning of essence

• English - Noun: essence ( plural essences ) ​The inherent nature of a thing or idea . Landor The laws are at present , both in form and essence , the greatest curse that society labours under . Addison Gifts and alms are the expressions , not the essence of this virtue [charity]. Courthorpe The essence of Addison's humour is irony . ( philosophy ) The true nature of anything , not accidental or illusory .…
• French - Noun: essence
• French - External links: “essence” in le Trésor de la langue française informatisé ( The Digitized Treasury of the French Language ).
• English - Etymology: From French essence , from Latin essentia ( “ the being or essence of a thing ” ), from an artificial formation of esse ( “ to be ” ), to translate Ancient Greek οὐσία ( ousía , “ being ” ), from ὤν ( ṓn ), present participle of εἰμί ( eimí , “ I am , exist ” ).
• English - Pronunciation: IPA (key) : /ˈɛsəns/