noun see: is
Date: 14th century
1. the permanent as contrasted with the accidental element of being, the individual, real, or ultimate nature of a thing especially as opposed to its existence , the properties or attributes by means of which something can be placed in its proper class or identified as being what it is, something that exists ; entity ,
3. a. a volatile substance or constituent (as of perfume), a constituent or derivative possessing the special qualities (as of a plant or drug) in concentrated form, odor , perfume , one that possesses or exhibits a quality in abundance as if in concentrated form , the most significant element, quality, or aspect of a thing or person