substances

Noun

substance (countable and uncountable, plural substances)

1. 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.1699, William Temple, Heads designed for an essay on conversations

   Synonyms:

   matter, stuff

   1. A form of matter that has constant chemical composition and characteristic properties.
2. The essential part of anything; the most vital part.
   • Heroic virtue did his actions guide, / And he the substance, not the appearance, chose.1667, John Dryden, Annus Mirabilis: The Year of Wonders, 1666. […], London: […] Henry Herringman, […], →OCLC, (please specify the stanza number)

   Synonyms:

   crux, gist

3. Substantiality; solidity; firmness.
   • Some textile fabrics have little substance.
4. Material possessions; estate; property; resources.
   • a man of substance
5. Drugs (illegal narcotics)
   • substance abuse

   Synonyms:

   dope, gear

See all 8 meanings of substance