Essential properties are the fundamental characteristics that define an object or concept. These properties are necessary for the identity of the object, meaning that if they were removed, the object would no longer be what it is. For example, the essential properties of water include being a liquid at room temperature and having the chemical formula H2O. In philosophy, essential properties are often discussed in relation to the concept of essentialism, which posits that certain traits are inherent to the nature of an object. This contrasts with accidental properties, which are characteristics that an object can have without affecting its identity, such as the color of a car or the height of a person.