Word of the day: essence

Word of the day: essence - pronunciation: /ˈɛs(ə)ns/
noun

1 the intrinsic nature or indispensable quality of something, especially something abstract, which determines its character:
conflict is the essence of drama
2 an extract or concentrate obtained from a plant or other matter and used for flavouring or scent:
vanilla essence
Phrases
in essence
basically and without regard for peripheral details; fundamentally:
in detail the class system is complex but in essence it is simple
of the essence
critically important:
time will be of the essence during negotiations