Quintessential

[catkingirl]

Assuming I've spelt it correctly and all - what is the origin of the word quintessential? Are there other many words that begin with quint? (looking in a dictionary would be too much trouble - this site is addictive you know...!)

[incitatus]

anything with five bits: quintuplets for example. Origin: its alchemical! The quintessence was the substance from which everything was derived, and was used as a synonym for the philosophers stone in some texts. They believed in five elements, earth, air fire water and spirit (or other versions of the list) so the quintessence (five essence) was the perfect combination of all five. As for other words, quince (as in the fruit) is probably derived from quint, referring to the five sepals on the base of the fruit.

[catkingirl]

I did see the 'five' connection (honest) but thanks for putting it into context - do you answer ALL my questions? What do you do all day? Thanks loads though ; )

[allen ives]

Catkingirl: I am sure old inkie is too modest to answer your question directly, but if you type his name into the search box and click find, you'll discover many things about him. He must be the most questioned- and answered-about contributor to this site.