essence
es-sence
noun
A concentrated liquid extract used for flavouring, scent, or medicinal purposes.
"Add a few drops of vanilla essence."
noun
The fundamental, intrinsic nature or most important quality of something abstract.
"The essence of the problem is funding."
Thesaurus
Synonyms: burden, effect, gist, core, marrow, meat, heart, center, heart and soul, inwardness, nitty-gritty, nub