substance
2 ENTRIES FOUND:
plural
substances
plural
substances
Britannica Dictionary definition of SUBSTANCE
1
[count]
a
:
a material of a particular kind
-
chemical/toxic/hazardous/dangerous substances
-
The pancreas secretes a substance called insulin.
-
The floor was covered with a white, powdery substance that turned out to be flour.
b
:
a drug that is considered harmful and whose use is controlled by law or made illegal
-
heroin and other illegal substances
-
He had a history of substance abuse.
-
Codeine is a controlled substance. [=a drug that you need permission from a doctor to use]
2
[noncount]
a
:
the quality of being meaningful, useful, or important
-
matters of substance
-
When has he ever said anything of substance?
-
The book lacks substance.
b
:
the quality of being true or believable
-
These rumors have no substance. = These rumors are without substance. [=these rumors are not true]
-
The results of the study give substance to their theory.
3
[noncount]
:
the most basic or necessary part or quality of something
:
essence
-
the substance of my argument
-
These two books differ in both style and substance. [=content]
-
He stated, in substance [=in essence, essentially], that it is not his fault and he will not pay for damages.
a man/woman/person of substance
literary
:
a person who is rich and powerful
-
She married a man of substance.
