<p><strong>Noun</strong></p><ul><li>the basic, real, and invariable nature of a thing or its significant individual feature or features: Freedom is the very essence of our democracy.</li><li>a substance obtained from a plant, drug, or the like, by distillation, infusion, etc., and containing its characteristic properties in concentrated form.</li><li>an alcoholic solution of an essential oil; spirit.</li><li>a perfume; scent.</li><li>the inward nature, true substance, or constitution of anything, as opposed to what is accidental, phenomenal, illusory, etc.</li><li>something that exists, especially a spiritual or immaterial entity.</li></ul>