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in·dis·pens·a·ble

(ĭn′dĭ-spĕnsə-bəl)

adj.

1. Absolutely necessary; essential.

2. Obligatory; unavoidable: the routine but indispensable ceremonies of state.

One that is indispensable.

in′dis·pens′a·bili·ty, in′dis·pensa·ble·ness n.

in′dis·pensa·bly adv.

Synonyms: indispensable, critical, essential, necessary, requisite
These adjectives apply to something that cannot be dispensed with: foods that are indispensable to good nutrition; education that is critical to success; funds essential to completing the project; the necessary tools for the job; lacking the requisite qualifications for the position.

Indo-European & Semitic Roots Appendices

Thousands of entries in the dictionary include etymologies that trace their origins back to reconstructed proto-languages. You can obtain more information about these forms in our online appendices:

Indo-European Roots

Semitic Roots

The Indo-European appendix covers nearly half of the Indo-European roots that have left their mark on English words. A more complete treatment of Indo-European roots and the English words derived from them is available in our Dictionary of Indo-European Roots.

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