Medical Dictionary
essential
adj es·sen·tial \i-ˈsen-chəl\
Medical Definition of ESSENTIAL
1
: being, relating to, or containing an essence <an essential odor>
2
: 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 <essential fatty acids>—compare nonessential
3
: having no obvious or known cause : idiopathic <essential disease>
Seen & Heard
What made you want to look up essential? Please tell us where you read or heard it (including the quote, if possible).