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This tag is for questions related to definitions and nuances of meaning of a word or phrase.

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Where does the "quint" in "quintessential" come from?

"Essence" in this context is a synonym for "element", and "essential" for "elemental". In pre-atomic theory, there were four "known" elements or essences — Earth, Air, Fire and Water — and a putative …
Michael Scott Shappe's user avatar