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