A Webster’s szótárat idézem:
quintessence, n. [L. quinta essentia, fifth essence.]
1. the fifth essence, or ultimate substance, of which the heavenly bodies were thought to be composed, in ancient and medieval philosophy; distinguished from the fou elements, air, fire, water, and earth.
2. the pure, concentrated essence of anything.
3. the most perfect manifestation or embodiment of a quality or thing.