essence

(noun): The inherent nature of a thing or idea.
(noun): The true nature of anything, not accidental or illusory.
(noun): Constituent substance.
(noun): A being; especially, a purely spiritual being.
(noun): A significant feature of something.
(noun): The concentrated form of a plant or drug obtained through a distillation process.
(noun): An extract or concentrate obtained from a plant or other matter used for flavouring.
(noun): Fragrance, a perfume.