You searched for: “sine qua non”
sine qua non (s) (noun), sine quibus non (pl)
1. An essential or indispensable feature or factor: Sometimes being calm is really a sine qua non for those who are waiting to see a medical doctor.
2. That which is an absolute prerequisite: The phrase sine qua non refers to a necessity or an indispensable condition or qualification for a particular purpose.

Wind, for example, is a sine qua non for flying a kite!
3. Etymology: from Latin, sine- "without" + qua, "which" + non, "not."

An essential condition.
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This entry is located in the following unit: English Words in Action, Group S (page 5)