substance

Meanings

1. 1
   noun

   the real physical matter of which a person or thing consists

   DNA is the substance of our genes

2. 2
   noun

   a particular kind or species of matter with uniform properties

   shigella is one of the most toxic substances known to man

3. 3
   noun

   material of a particular kind or constitution

   the immune response recognizes invading substances

4. 4
   noun

   Physical matter; material.

   Study gives strength to the mind; conversation, grace: the first apt to give stiffness, the other suppleness: one gives substance and form to the statue, the other polishes it.

5. 5
   noun

   The essential part of anything; the most vital part.

   Heroic virtue did his actions guide, / And he the substance, not the appearance, chose.

6. 6
   noun

   Substantiality; solidity; firmness.

   Some textile fabrics have little substance.

7. 7
   noun

   Material possessions; estate; property; resources.

   a man of substance

8. 8
   noun

   Drugs (illegal narcotics)

   substance abuse

Etymology

Inherited from Middle English substance, from Old French substance, from Latin substantia (“substance, essence”), from substāns, present active participle of substō (“exist”, literally “stand under”), from sub + stō (“stand”). Displaced native Old English andweorc.