The inherent nature of a thing or idea. / (philosophy) The true nature of anything, not accidental or illusory. / Constituent substance. / A being; especially, a purely spiritual being.

Important, indispensable, crucial.

plural of essence

essentially

Having an essence; scented.

A female given name of African-American usage.

(set phrase) Time is an essential consideration (in regard to an action or response); haste is necessary.

(physics) kinetic quintessence

plural of vanilla essence

Synonym of vanilla extract