essential

essential /es·sen·tial/ (e-sen´shil)

1. constituting the inherent part of a thing; giving a substance its peculiar and necessary qualities.

2. indispensable; required in the diet, as essential fatty acids.

3. idiopathic; having no obvious external cause.

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es·sen·tial (-snshl)

adj.

1. Constituting or being part of the essence of something; inherent.

2. Basic or indispensable; necessary.

3. Of, relating to, or being a dysfunctional condition or a disease whose cause is unknown.

4. Of, relating to, or being a substance that is required for normal functioning but cannot be synthesized by the body and therefore must be included in the diet.

n.

1. Something fundamental.

2. Something necessary or indispensable.

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es·senti·ali·ty (-sh-l-t), es·sential·ness n.

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essential

1. constituting the necessary or inherent part of a thing; giving a substance its peculiar and necessary qualities.

2. indispensable; required in the diet, as essential fatty acids.

3. idiopathic; self-existing; having no obvious external exciting cause.

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essential fatty acids (EFAs)

the unsaturated fatty acids, linoleic and a-linolenic, cannot be synthesized by animals but are essential nutrients that must be supplied in the diet.

essential fatty acid deficiency

in dogs and cats, there is scaling, alopecia and seborrhea. Poor wound healing, immunosuppression and infertility have also been reported.