Quin-tēs'sence, n.

(Synop., § 130), n. [Fr. quintessence, It. quintessenza, from Lat. quinta essentia, fifth essence.]

1. (Alchemy.) The fifth or last and highest essence or power in a natural body. [Obs.]
2. Hence, an extract from any thing, containing its virtues or most essential part in a small quantity; pure or concentrated essence.

Let there be light, said God; and forthwith light Ethereal, first of things, quintessence pure, Sprung from the deep. Milton.