Crossword Genius

The Spanish cheese lacks minute essential (9)

Ross

I believe the answer is:

elemental

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'essential' is the definition.
(I've seen this before)

I cannot understand how the rest of the clue works.

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(Other definitions for elemental that I've seen before include "Let me lean like forces of nature" , "Basic, rudimentary" , "Of nature's powers" , "Related to the powers of nature" , "Rising trend" .)

I've seen this clue in The Times.
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