GRE Word List

QUINTESSENCE

the fifth and highest element in ancient and medieval philosophy that permeates all nature and is the substance composing the celestial bodies

The meaning of the word quintessence is the fifth and highest element in ancient and medieval philosophy that permeates all nature and is the substance composing the celestial bodies.

Random words

WordMeaning
alchemya medieval chemical science and speculative philosophy aiming to achieve the transmutation of the base metals into gold, the discovery of a universal cure for disease, and the discovery of a means of indefinitely prolonging life
decimateto select by lot and kill every tenth man of
stinkto emit a strong offensive odor
perennialpresent at all seasons of the year
ensueto strive to attain : pursue
deviseto form in the mind by new combinations or applications of ideas or principles : invent
conglomeratemade up of parts from various sources or of various kinds
constraintthe act of constraining
timiditylacking in courage or self-confidence
doggerelloosely styled and irregular in measure especially for burlesque or comic effect