essence

noun

1. 1

   a toiletry that emits and diffuses a fragrant odor

2. 2

   the choicest or most essential or most vital part of some idea or experience

   the gist of the prosecutor's argument

   the heart and soul of the Republican Party

3. 3

   the central meaning or theme of a speech or literary work

4. 4

   any substance possessing to a high degree the predominant properties of a plant or drug or other natural product from which it is extracted