/'esns; `ɛsns/
n
1 [U] that which makes a thing what it is; most important or indispensable quality of sth 本质; 精髓; 要素
*The essence of his argument is that capitalism cannot succeed. 他的论点的核心是资本主义不能成功.
* She was the essence of kindness. 她本性善良.
2 [C, U] extract of a plant, drug, etc, containing all its important qualities in concentrated form （植物、药物等的）精华, 精髓
*vanilla essence 香草精
* meatessences 肉汁.
3 (idm 习语) in `essence fundamentally; essentially 大体上; 本质上
*The two arguments are inessence the same. 这两个论点大致相同. of the `essencevery important; indispensable 非常重要的; 不可缺少的
*Speed is of the essence in dealing with an emergency. 在处理紧急事件时, 速度是非常重要的.

n
[Date: 1300-1400; Language: French;Origin:Latin essentia, from esse 'to be']
[singular]
the most basic and important quality of something
essence of
　The essence of Arsenal's style of football was speed.
　She seems the very essence of kindness (=she seems very kind) .
in essence
used when talking about the most basic and important part of something, especially an idea, belief, or argument
　In essence his message was very simple.
[U and C]
a liquid obtained from a plant, flower etc that has a very strong smell or taste and is used especially in cooking
　vanilla essence
sth is of the essence
used to say that something is very important
　Good communications are of the essence to remain competitive.
time/speed is of the essence
(=it is very important to do something quickly)