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