sub·stance
noun \
Definition of SUBSTANCE
1 a : essential nature : essence
b : a fundamental or characteristic part or quality
c Christian Science : god 1b
2 a : ultimate reality that underlies all outward manifestations and change
b : practical importance :
meaning, usefulness
3 a : physical material from which something is made or which has discrete existence
b : matter of particular or definite chemical constitution
c : something (as drugs or alcoholic beverages) deemed harmful and usually subject to legal
restriction
4 : material possessions :
property — sub·stance·less adjective — in substance : in
respect to essentials :
fundamentally
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Examples of SUBSTANCE
The pancreas secretes a substance called insulin.
The floor was covered with a white, powdery substance that turned out to be flour.
heroin and other illegal substances
He had a history of substance abuse.
When has he ever said anything of substance?
The results of the study give substance to their theory.
the substance of my argument
http://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/substance 2011 12 21, 19:330 +05:30