ESSEN'TIAL, a. [L. essentialis.] Necessary to the constitution or existence of a thing. Piety and good works are essential to the christian character. Figure and extension are essential properties of bodies.
And if each system in gradation roll,Alike essential to the amazing whole--1. Important in the highest degree.Judgment is more essential to a general than courage.2. Pure; highly rectified. Essential oils are such as are drawn from plants by distillation in an alembic with water, as distinguished from empyreumatic oils, which are raised by a naked fire without water.ESSEN'TIAL, n. Existence; being. [Little used.]
1. First or constituent principles; as the essentials of religion.2. The chief point; that which is most important.