quintessential

Definition

Representing the most perfect or typical example of a quality or class; the pure, concentrated essence of something. The absolute ideal that defines a category.

Etymology

From medieval Latin quinta essentia — the 'fifth essence.' Ancient philosophers believed four elements (earth, air, fire, water) made up the earthly realm, but the heavens contained a fifth, perfect element. This quintessence was pure, unchanging, divine — the stuff of stars and angels.

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