serving as an essential component; a cardinal rule; the central cause of the problem; an example that was fundamental to the argument; computers are fundamental to modern industrial structure
[ Syn: cardinal , central , fundamental , key ]
having existed from the beginning; in an earliest or original stage or state; aboriginal forests; primal eras before the appearance of life on earth; the forest primeval; primordial matter; primordial forms of life
[ Syn: aboriginal , primeval , primaeval , primordial ]