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 ; ultimate
Definitions
- Of the nature of a quintessence ; ultimate
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 |
Words derived from “quintessential”