Where does “quintessential” come from?
Quintessential comes from English quintessence, which derives from the medieval concept of a fifth essence beyond the four classical elements.
quintessential (English): Of the nature of a quintessence (in all senses); being or relating to the ultimate essence of something
Definitions
- Of the nature of a quintessence (in all senses); being or relating to the ultimate essence of something
Ancestry of “quintessential”, step by step
| Step | Language | Word | Meaning |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | English | quintessence | A thing that is the most perfect example of its... |
| 2 | Medieval Latin | quinta essentia | fifth essence, aether |