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essential

es·sen·tial [ i sénshəl ]


adjective 
Definition:
 
1. necessary: of the highest importance for achieving something
It's essential that we arrive on time.
an essential ingredient

2. basic: being the most basic element or feature of something or somebody
reinforcing the essential organizational framework

3. defining: constituting the property or characteristic of something that makes it what it is

4. biochemistry required in diet: describes a nutrient that is not made by the body and is required in the diet for normal function
essential vitamins and minerals

5. medicine without known cause: describes a disease that has no known cause



noun  (plural es·sen·tials)
Definition:
 
1. something necessary: something that is absolutely necessary
the essentials for survival
an essential for this kind of work

2. fundamental aspect: a basic aspect of a particular subject
You know the essentials of the case.

[14th century. < late Latin essentialis< Latin essentia (see essence)]

es·sen·ti·al·i·ty [ i sènshee állətee ] noun
es·sen·tial·ly adverb
es·sen·tial·ness noun

Word Key: Synonyms

See necessary.

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