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.

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