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essential

essential definition

es·sen·tial (ə sen′s̸həl, i-)

adjective

of or constituting the intrinsic, fundamental nature of something; basic; inherent an essential difference
absolute; complete; perfect
absolutely necessary; indispensable; requisite
containing, or having the properties of, a concentrated extract of a plant, drug, food, etc. an essential oil
Biochem. needed for life or health but not synthesized within the body, as an amino acid or vitamin that must be consumed

Etymology: ME essencial < LL essentialis: see essence

noun

something necessary or fundamental; indispensable, inherent, or basic feature or principle

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