essential

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essential[1,adjective] essential[2,noun] essential oil

Main Entry: ¹es·sen·tial
Pronunciation: i-'sen(t)-sh&l
Function: adjective
1 : of, relating to, or constituting essence : INHERENT
2 a : of the utmost importance : BASIC, INDISPENSABLE, NECESSARY <an essential requirement for admission to college> b : being a substance that is not synthesized by the body in a quantity sufficient for normal health and growth and that must be obtained from the diet <dietary protein provides the body with essential amino acids> -- compare NONESSENTIAL 2
3 : IDIOPATHIC <essential disease> <essential hypertension>
- es·sen·tial·ly /-'sench-lE, -'sen-ch&-/ adverb
- es·sen·tial·ness /-'sen-ch&l-n&s/ noun
synonyms ESSENTIAL, FUNDAMENTAL, VITAL, CARDINAL mean so important as to be indispensable. ESSENTIAL implies belonging to the very nature of a thing and therefore being incapable of removal without destroying the thing itself or its character <conflict is essential in drama>. FUNDAMENTAL applies to something that is a foundation without which an entire system or complex whole would collapse <fundamental principles of algebra>. VITAL suggests something that is necessary to a thing's continued existence or operation <cut off from vital supplies>. CARDINAL suggests something on which an outcome turns or depends <a cardinal rule in buying a home>.