quintessence

Short definition from Wiktionary

Noun

1. 1
   A thing that is the most perfect example of its type; the most perfect embodiment of something; epitome, prototype.
2. 2
   A pure substance.
3. 3
   The essence of a thing in its purest and most concentrated form.
4. 4
   The fifth alchemical element, or essence, after earth, air, fire, and water that fills the universe beyond the terrestrial sphere.
5. 5
   A hypothetical form of dark energy postulated to explain observations of an accelerating universe.

Verb

1. 1
   To reduce to its purest and most concentrated essence.