We just had to have a word reference under 'Q' so as a particularly interesting example we found this. Another word with noun ( quintessential ) and adjective versions. Also as an adverb we have 'quintessentially'. I am certainly in favour of optimistic adjectives so without any fuss quintessence (n.) Is the most perfect or typical example, a central intrinsic aspect of something, a refined essence or extract of a substance, pure and concentrated.
According to ancient philosophy, quintessence is a fifth substance in addition to the four elements, and was thought to compose the Heavenly bodies and to pervade all things. Additionally, quintessence can refer to the variable dark energy existing throughout space and time.
The Latin root clearly demonstrates the makeup of this word, and also implies that perhaps in the past there were still highly educated people dealing with similar phenomena, however they were just using different terminology and perhaps slightly different vocabulary.
