ˈkrüshəl adjective
Etymology: French, from Latin cruc-, crux cross + French -ial
1. archaic : characteristic of or having the form of a cross : cruciform , cruciate , crossed , intersecting
a crucial scar
2. : important or essential as decisive or as resolving a crisis : marked by final determination of a doubtful issue
a crucial decision
a crucial operation
the crucial game of a series
broadly : severe , trying , testing
a crucial experience
a crucial moment
Synonyms: see acute