1 [U] the basic or most important quality of sth 本质；精髓；要素: The essence of the problem is that there is not enough money available. 问题的关键在于资金不足。Although both parties agree in essence, some minor differences remain. 虽然两党基本上意见一致，但在一些小问题上依然存在分歧。

2 [C,U] a substance (usually a liquid) that is taken from a plant or food and that has a strong smell or taste of that plant or food （从植物或食物里提炼出来的）精华: coffee/vanilla essence 咖啡 / 香草精