Definition of essence

The word "essence" has its roots in ancient Latin. It is derived from the word "essentia," which means "being" or "existence." In medieval philosophy, the term "essence" was used to describe the fundamental nature or underlying reality of something, including substances, concepts, and abstract entities. The word "essence" has been part of the English language since the 14th century, borrowed from Old French and Latin. Initially, it meant "the meaning or significance of something," but over time its meaning expanded to include "the inherent or intrinsic qualities of something" - such as the essential oils extracted from plants, which capture their distinctive flavors, scents, and characteristics. In modern usage, the word "essence" is often used in contexts such as perfume, cuisine, and theology, where it refers to the fundamental or inherent characteristics of something that define its identity or being.