Meaning

• A thing that is the most perfect example of its type; the most perfect embodiment of something; epitome, prototype.

• A pure substance.

• The essence of a thing in its purest and most concentrated form.

• The fifth alchemical element, or essence, after earth, air, fire, and water

• A hypothetical form of dark energy postulated to explain observations of an accelerating universe.

Meaning

• To reduce to its purest and most concentrated essence.