quintessence

• Nom désignant l'exemple le plus parfait ou le plus typique d'une qualité ou d'une classe, ou l'essence la plus pure de quelque chose.

A noun referring to the most perfect or typical example of a quality or class, or the purest essence of something.

1. Fifth elementC2formal

   In ancient and medieval philosophy, the fifth and highest element after air, earth, fire, and water, believed to be the substance composing all heavenly bodies.

   quintessence (élément)

   • The ancient Greeks believed the quintessence was the material of the stars.
   • Medieval alchemists sought to isolate the quintessence from other elements.
   • In Ptolemaic cosmology, the quintessence filled the celestial spheres.

   Synonymesaetherether

2. Purest essenceC1formal

   The purest and most concentrated form or essence of something.

   Essence la plus pure

   • This perfume is the quintessence of floral scents.
   • Her speech captured the quintessence of the movement's ideals.
   • The artist's work represents the quintessence of minimalist design.

   Synonymesarchetypecoreembodimentepitomeessenceheartmodelparagonpithsoul

   Antonymesdrossimpurityrefuse

3. C1formal

   The most typical or perfect example of a particular quality or type.

   Exemple parfait

   • He is the quintessence of a modern entrepreneur.
   • This dish is the quintessence of Italian cuisine.
   • Her behavior was the quintessence of professionalism.

   Synonymesarchetypeembodimentepitomeexemplaridealmodelparadigmpersonification