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substance

2 syllables

Quick answer

As a noun, substance means physical matter.

Meanings of substance

15 meanings

Physical matter; material.
A form of matter that has constant chemical composition and characteristic properties.
The essential part of anything; the most vital part.
Substantiality; solidity; firmness.
“Some textile fabrics have little substance.”
Material possessions; estate; property; resources.
“a man of substance”
Drugs (illegal narcotics)
“substance abuse”
theologyHypostasis.
The real physical matter of which a person or thing consists
“DNA is the substance of our genes”
The idea that is intended
“What is the meaning of this proverb?”
Similar: meaning
Material of a particular kind or constitution
“the immune response recognizes invading substances”
Considerable capital (wealth or income)
“he is a man of means”
Similar: means
Content communicating a message; what something is about
Similar: message, content, subject matter
The property of holding together and retaining its shape
“wool has more body than rayon”
“when the dough has enough consistency it is ready to bake”
Similar: consistency, consistence, body
A particular kind or species of matter with uniform properties
“shigella is one of the most toxic substances known to man”