Belonging to the essence, or that which makes an object, or class of objects, what it is.
Hence, really existing; existent.
Important in the highest degree; indispensable to the attainment of an object; indispensably necessary.
Containing the essence or characteristic portion of a substance, as of a plant; highly rectified; pure; hence, unmixed; as, an essential oil.
Necessary; indispensable; - said of those tones which constitute a chord, in distinction from ornamental or passing tones.
Idiopathic; independent of other diseases.
Existence; being.
That which is essential; first or constituent principle; as, the essentials of religion.