essence

(eg. explanation, flower, literature )

essence /ˈɛ səns/ ?

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(n) the choicest or most essential or most vital part of some idea or experience
(n) any substance possessing to a high degree the predominant properties of a plant or drug or other natural product from which it is extracted
(n) the central meaning or theme of a speech or literary work
(n) a toiletry that emits and diffuses a fragrant odor

That quality is the distilled essence of what it means to be human.
Male essence, mixed with alcohol, was applied to the upper lips of six women with abnormal menstrual cycles and no current sexual re- lationship.
They focused instead on the brand essence of Google.

"This is the day when we celebrate the very essence of America and the spirit that has defined us as a people and as a nation for more than two centuries," Obama told guests at a South Lawn barbecue honoring service members and their families.
on Jul 5, 2010 By: Barack Obama Source: Dallas Morning News
"Ted Kennedy comes as close to being indispensable as any individual I've ever known in the Senate because he had a unique way of sitting down with the parties at a table and making the right concessions, which really are the essence of successful...
on Aug 23, 2009 By: John McCain Source: Los Angeles Times
"The big design is to have playoff-type moments that only can be, in any sport, created when there's a lot on the line at any one moment, right? That's what the essence of Game 7s, eliminations, and all that are," France said. "What we're...
on Jul 5, 2010 By: Brian France Source: Washington Post