essence - noun

the choicest or most essential or most vital part of some idea or experience

any substance possessing to a high degree the predominant properties of a plant or drug or other natural product from which it is extracted

the central meaning or theme of a speech or literary work

a toiletry that emits and diffuses a fragrant odor

essence - thesaurus

burden   center   centre   core   effect   gist   heart   inwardness   kernel   marrow   meat   nub   perfume   pith   substance   sum