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The pandemic has been hard on small businesses like Bigelow Apothecaries in New York City.
Essential
The medicine and personal care store began in 1838. Owner Ian Ginsberg says restrictions caused by the pandemic have hurt the family business. But it is considered to be an essential business and remains open.
Essential describes something that is extremely important and necessary in order to meet simple needs and safety.
The essential part of something is the most important part.
Now you know what essential means.
*This article has been edited and reprinted from VOA Learning English with permission from Voice of America (VOA) for use in English language materials.
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