The most common and most likely answer to this crossword clue is the 8 letter word KEYSTONE
I've seen this crossword clue in The Guardian
K
E
Y
S
T
O
N
E
More clues leading to the result KEYSTONE
- Openers, sound, creating foundation
- Rock legend’s first principle
- It’s essential to follow clues by directions
- Islands with shade — that’s the central point
- Chief element provided by openers to nuclear energy
- Most important piece in scattered notes on island
- Uncertain yes/no taken to show lack of an essential principle to build on
- These cops may see openers on pitch
- Island’s character is essential element
- Everything depends on this pitch’s quality
Buddy explains!
The straight part
We know that "It’s essential" is the straight/definition part of the clue. The straight part is often a synonym or definition, in this case it’s essential = keystone.The cryptic/wordplay part
In cryptic crossword there's often an wordplay/cryptic part as well.This part involves a more complex hint, such as an anagram, homophone, hidden word, etc.
Sadly, We don't have an explanation for this specific crossword clue yet.
What does KEYSTONE mean?
KEYSTONE noun- The top stone of an arch.
- Something on which other things depend for support.
- A native or resident of the American state of Pennsylvania.
- (retail) A retail price that is double the cost price; a markup of 100%.
- The combination of the shortstop and second baseman.
- To distort (an image) by projecting it onto a surface at an angle, which for example causes a square to look like a trapezoid.
- (retail) To double the cost price in order to determine the retail price; to apply a markup of 100%.