Quintessence



GRE Barron

解释

GRE 红宝书

• n.完美的榜样; 精华
• ［英］ n. 完美的榜样（the most typical example or representative）; 精华 ( the essence of a thing in its purest and most concentrated form)
• ［记］ 和quell ( 五) ＋essence ( 精华) -> 原指组成世界的五大精华物质

Webster Collegiate

noun

• Etymology: Middle English, from Middle French quinte essence, from Medieval Latin quinta essentia, literally, fifth essence
• Date: 15th century
• 1. the fifth and highest element in ancient and medieval philosophy that permeates all nature and is the substance composing the celestial bodies
• 2. the essence of a thing in its purest and most concentrated form
• 3. the most typical example or representative <the quintessence of calm>
• ? quintessential adjective
• ? quintessentially adverb

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