substance

/ˈsəbstəns/

/ˈsəbstɪns/

Other forms: substances

Any material that possesses physical properties is called a substance. The word also refers to the gist or main idea of something. If you remember the main point of a lesson, you've got the substance.

The meaning of the noun substance has evolved over time, yet it has always been related to something sound and solid — from the Latin root substare, which means "to stand firm," to the Middle English definition as an "essential nature." Nowadays, we use the word to define someone who possesses honesty and intelligence, or when we examine a message to find its essence. To be thought of as a "person of substance" is a good thing, but to be thought of as a "substance abuser" is not so good.

Definitions of substance

noun
the real physical matter of which a person or thing consists

“DNA is the substance of our genes”

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types:
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body substance
the substance of the body

living substance, protoplasm
the substance of a living cell (including cytoplasm and nucleus)

chemistry
the chemical composition and properties of a substance or object

material, stuff
the tangible substance that goes into the makeup of a physical object

phlogiston
a hypothetical substance once believed to be present in all combustible materials and to be released during burning

mixture
(chemistry) a substance consisting of two or more substances mixed together (not in fixed proportions and not with chemical bonding)

atom
(physics and chemistry) the smallest component of an element having the chemical properties of the element

chemical element, element
any of the more than 100 known substances (of which 92 occur naturally) that cannot be separated into simpler substances and that singly or in combination constitute all matter

activator
(biology) any agency bringing about activation; a molecule that increases the activity of an enzyme or a protein that increases the production of a gene product in DNA transcription

substrate
the substance that is acted upon by an enzyme or ferment

element
one of four substances thought in ancient and medieval cosmology to constitute the physical universe

medium
an intervening substance through which something is achieved

medium
(biology) a substance in which specimens are preserved or displayed

fluid
a substance that is fluid at room temperature and pressure

volatile
a volatile substance; a substance that changes readily from solid or liquid to a vapor

essence
any substance possessing to a high degree the predominant properties of a plant or drug or other natural product from which it is extracted

ballast
any heavy material used to stabilize a ship or airship

bedding, bedding material, litter
material used to provide a bed for animals

solid body substance
the solid parts of the body

bodily fluid, body fluid, humor, humour, liquid body substance
the liquid parts of the body

cytol, cytoplasm
the protoplasm of a cell excluding the nucleus; is full of proteins that control cell metabolism

karyoplasm, nucleoplasm
the protoplasm that constitutes the nucleus of a cell

germ plasm, plasm
the protoplasm of the germ cells that contains chromosomes and genes

chromatin, chromatin granule
the readily stainable substance of a cell nucleus consisting of DNA and RNA and various proteins; during mitotic division it condenses into chromosomes

achromatin
the part of a cell nucleus that is relatively uncolored by stains or dyes

linin
an obsolete term for the network of viscous material in the cell nucleus on which the chromatin granules were thought to be suspended

ground substance, intercellular substance, matrix
the body substance in which tissue cells are embedded

humor, humour
(Middle Ages) one of the four fluids in the body whose balance was believed to determine your emotional and physical state

rind
the natural outer covering of food (usually removed before eating)

precursor
a substance from which another substance is formed (especially by a metabolic reaction)

atom, corpuscle, molecule, mote, particle, speck
(nontechnical usage) a tiny piece of anything

ammunition
any nuclear or chemical or biological material that can be used as a weapon of mass destruction

floc, floccule
a small loosely aggregated mass of flocculent material suspended in or precipitated from a liquid

HAZMAT
an abbreviation for `hazardous material' used on warning signs

alloy, metal
a mixture containing two or more metallic elements or metallic and nonmetallic elements usually fused together or dissolving into each other when molten

colloid
a mixture with properties between those of a solution and fine suspension

composition
a mixture of ingredients

mechanical mixture
a mixture whose components can be separated by mechanical means

eutectic
a mixture of substances having a minimum melting point

solution
a homogeneous mixture of two or more substances; frequently (but not necessarily) a liquid solution

suspension
a mixture in which fine particles are suspended in a fluid where they are supported by buoyancy

aggregate
material such as sand or gravel used with cement and water to make concrete, mortar, or plaster

raw material, staple
material suitable for manufacture or use or finishing

sorbate
a material that has been or is capable of being taken up by another substance by either absorption or adsorption

sorbent, sorbent material
a material that sorbs another substance; i.e. that has the capacity or tendency to take it up by either absorption or adsorption

diamagnet
a substance that exhibits diamagnetism

isotope
one of two or more atoms with the same atomic number but with different numbers of neutrons

monad
(chemistry) an atom having a valence of one

allotrope
a structurally different form of an element

transuranic element
any element having an atomic number greater than 92 (which is the atomic number of uranium); all are radioactive

argonon, inert gas, noble gas
any of the chemically inert gaseous elements of the helium group in the periodic table

metal, metallic element
any of several chemical elements that are usually shiny solids that conduct heat or electricity and can be formed into sheets etc.

nonmetal
a chemical element lacking typical metallic properties

transactinide
any of the artificially produced elements with atomic numbers greater than 103

Ac, actinium, atomic number 89
a radioactive element of the actinide series; found in uranium ores

Ar, argon, atomic number 18
a colorless and odorless inert gas; one of the six inert gases; comprises approximately 1% of the earth's atmosphere

As, arsenic, atomic number 33
a very poisonous metallic element that has three allotropic forms; arsenic and arsenic compounds are used as herbicides and insecticides and various alloys; found in arsenopyrite and orpiment and realgar

At, astatine, atomic number 85
a highly unstable radioactive element (the heaviest of the halogen series); a decay product of uranium and thorium

Bh, atomic number 107, bohrium, element 107
a transuranic element

B, atomic number 5, boron
a trivalent metalloid element; occurs both in a hard black crystal and in the form of a yellow or brown powder

Br, atomic number 35, bromine
a nonmetallic heavy volatile corrosive dark brown liquid element belonging to the halogens; found in sea water

C, atomic number 6, carbon
an abundant nonmetallic tetravalent element occurring in three allotropic forms: amorphous carbon and graphite and diamond; occurs in all organic compounds

carbon atom
an atom of carbon

Cl, atomic number 17, chlorine
a common nonmetallic element belonging to the halogens; best known as a heavy yellow irritating toxic gas; used to purify water and as a bleaching agent and disinfectant; occurs naturally only as a salt (as in sea water)

Ds, atomic number 110, darmstadtium, element 110
a radioactive transuranic element

Db, atomic number 105, dubnium, element 105, hahnium
a transuranic element

F, atomic number 9, fluorine
a nonmetallic univalent element belonging to the halogens; usually a yellow irritating toxic flammable gas; a powerful oxidizing agent; recovered from fluorite or cryolite or fluorapatite

Ge, atomic number 32, germanium
a brittle grey crystalline element that is a semiconducting metalloid (resembling silicon) used in transistors; occurs in germanite and argyrodite

Hs, atomic number 108, element 108, hassium
a radioactive transuranic element

He, atomic number 2, helium
a very light colorless element that is one of the six inert gasses; the most difficult gas to liquefy; occurs in economically extractable amounts in certain natural gases (as those found in Texas and Kansas)

H, atomic number 1, hydrogen
a nonmetallic univalent element that is normally a colorless and odorless highly flammable diatomic gas; the simplest and lightest and most abundant element in the universe

hydrogen atom
an atom of hydrogen

I, atomic number 53, iodin, iodine
a nonmetallic element belonging to the halogens; used especially in medicine and photography and in dyes; occurs naturally only in combination in small quantities (as in sea water or rocks)

Kr, atomic number 36, krypton
a colorless element that is one of the six inert gasses; occurs in trace amounts in air

Lr, atomic number 103, lawrencium
a radioactive transuranic element synthesized from californium

Mt, atomic number 109, element 109, meitnerium
a radioactive transuranic element

Md, Mv, atomic number 101, mendelevium
a radioactive transuranic element synthesized by bombarding einsteinium with alpha particles (Md is the current symbol for mendelevium but Mv was formerly the symbol)

Ne, atomic number 10, neon
a colorless odorless gaseous element that give a red glow in a vacuum tube; one of the six inert gasses; occurs in the air in small amounts

N, atomic number 7, nitrogen
a common nonmetallic element that is normally a colorless odorless tasteless inert diatomic gas; constitutes 78 percent of the atmosphere by volume; a constituent of all living tissues

No, atomic number 102, nobelium
a radioactive transuranic element synthesized by bombarding curium with carbon ions; 7 isotopes are known

O, atomic number 8, oxygen
a nonmetallic bivalent element that is normally a colorless odorless tasteless nonflammable diatomic gas; constitutes 21 percent of the atmosphere by volume; the most abundant element in the earth's crust

P, atomic number 15, phosphorus
a multivalent nonmetallic element of the nitrogen family that occurs commonly in inorganic phosphate rocks and as organic phosphates in all living cells; is highly reactive and occurs in several allotropic forms

Pu, atomic number 94, plutonium
a solid silvery grey radioactive transuranic element whose atoms can be split when bombarded with neutrons; found in minute quantities in uranium ores but is usually synthesized in nuclear reactors; 13 isotopes are known with the most important being plutonium 239

Rn, atomic number 86, radon
a radioactive gaseous element formed by the disintegration of radium; the heaviest of the inert gasses; occurs naturally (especially in areas over granite) and is considered a hazard to health

Rg, atomic number 111, element 111, roentgenium
a radioactive transuranic element

Rf, Unq, atomic number 104, element 104, rutherfordium, unnilquadium
a radioactive transuranic element which has been synthesized

Sg, atomic number 106, element 106, seaborgium
a transuranic element

Se, atomic number 34, selenium
a toxic nonmetallic element related to sulfur and tellurium; occurs in several allotropic forms; a stable grey metallike allotrope conducts electricity better in the light than in the dark and is used in photocells; occurs in sulfide ores (as pyrite)

Si, atomic number 14, silicon
a tetravalent nonmetallic element; next to oxygen it is the most abundant element in the earth's crust; occurs in clay and feldspar and granite and quartz and sand; used as a semiconductor in transistors

S, atomic number 16, sulfur, sulphur
an abundant tasteless odorless multivalent nonmetallic element; best known in yellow crystals; occurs in many sulphide and sulphate minerals and even in native form (especially in volcanic regions)

Te, atomic number 52, tellurium
a brittle silver-white metalloid element that is related to selenium and sulfur; it is used in alloys and as a semiconductor; occurs mainly as tellurides in ores of copper and nickel and silver and gold

Uub, atomic number 112, element 112, ununbium
a radioactive transuranic element

Uuh, atomic number 116, element 116, ununhexium
a radioactive transuranic element

Uup, atomic number 115, element 115, ununpentium
a radioactive transuranic element

Uuq, atomic number 114, element 114, ununquadium
a radioactive transuranic element

Uut, atomic number 113, element 113, ununtrium
a radioactive transuranic element

Xe, atomic number 54, xenon
a colorless odorless inert gaseous element occurring in the earth's atmosphere in trace amounts

mineral
solid homogeneous inorganic substances occurring in nature having a definite chemical composition

rock, stone
material consisting of the aggregate of minerals like those making up the Earth's crust

adhesive, adhesive agent, adhesive material
a substance that unites or bonds surfaces together

sealing material
any substance used to seal joints or fill cracks in a porous surface

activating agent
(mineral extraction) a surface-active chemical used in flotation process to increase the attraction to a specific mineral

accelerator, catalyst
(chemistry) a substance that initiates or accelerates a chemical reaction without itself being affected

sensitiser, sensitizer
(chemistry) a substance other than a catalyst that facilitates the start of a catalytic reaction

animal material
material derived from animals

fluff
any light downy material

bimetal
material made by bonding together sheets of two different metals

abradant, abrasive, abrasive material
a substance that abrades or wears down

chemical, chemical substance
material produced by or used in a reaction involving changes in atoms or molecules

composite material
strong lightweight material developed in the laboratory; fibers of more than one kind are bonded together chemically

conductor
a substance that readily conducts e.g. electricity and heat

dielectric, insulator, nonconductor
a material such as glass or porcelain with negligible electrical or thermal conductivity

contaminant, contamination
a substance that contaminates

coolant
a fluid agent (gas or liquid) that produces cooling; especially one used to cool a system by transferring heat away from one part to another

particulate, particulate matter
a small discrete mass of solid or liquid matter that remains individually dispersed in gas or liquid emissions (usually considered to be an atmospheric pollutant)

dust
free microscopic particles of solid material

elastomer
any of various elastic materials that resemble rubber (resumes its original shape when a deforming force is removed)

air
once thought to be one of four elements composing the universe (Empedocles)

fire
once thought to be one of four elements composing the universe (Empedocles)

earth, ground
the loose soft material that makes up a large part of the land surface

earth
once thought to be one of four elements composing the universe (Empedocles)

ether, quintessence
the fifth and highest element after air and earth and fire and water; was believed to be the substance composing all heavenly bodies

water
once thought to be one of four elements composing the universe (Empedocles)

discharge, emission
a substance that is emitted or released

detritus
loose material (stone fragments and silt etc) that is worn away from rocks

waste, waste material, waste matter, waste product
any materials unused and rejected as worthless or unwanted

fiber, fibre
a slender and greatly elongated substance capable of being spun into yarn

fill, filling
any material that fills a space or container

filtrate
the product of filtration; a gas or liquid that has been passed through a filter

foam
a lightweight material in cellular form; made by introducing gas bubbles during manufacture

free radical, radical
an atom or group of atoms with at least one unpaired electron; in the body it is usually an oxygen molecule that has lost an electron and will stabilize itself by stealing an electron from a nearby molecule

freezing mixture
a mixture of substances (usually salt and ice) to obtain a temperature below the freezing point of water

Greek fire
a mixture used by Byzantine Greeks that was often shot at adversaries; catches fire when wetted

contrast material, contrast medium
a substance that is opaque to x-rays; when administered it allows a radiologist to examine the organ or tissue it fills

gummite
a gummy orange mixture of uranium oxides and silicates occurring naturally in the hydration and oxidation of pitchblende

homogenate
material that has been homogenized (especially tissue that has been ground and mixed)

humate
material that is high in humic acids

impregnation
material with which something is impregnated

lamellar mixture
a mixture in which substances occur in distinct layers

ichor
(Greek mythology) the rarified fluid said to flow in the veins of the Gods

liquid
a substance that is liquid at room temperature and pressure

matte
a mixture of sulfides that forms when sulfide metal ores are smelted

oxyacetylene
a mixture of oxygen and acetylene; used to create high temperatures for cutting or welding metals

paper
a material made of cellulose pulp derived mainly from wood or rags or certain grasses

packing, packing material, wadding
any material used especially to protect something

mineral jelly, petrolatum, petroleum jelly
a semisolid mixture of hydrocarbons obtained from petroleum; used in medicinal ointments and for lubrication

color, coloring material, colour, colouring material
any material used for its color

plant material, plant substance
material derived from plants

plaster
a mixture of lime or gypsum with sand and water; hardens into a smooth solid; used to cover walls and ceilings

radioactive material
material that is radioactive

blood platelet, platelet, thrombocyte
tiny bits of protoplasm found in vertebrate blood; essential for blood clotting

soda lime
a mixture of sodium and calcium hydroxides; absorbs liquids and gases

dissolvent, dissolver, dissolving agent, resolvent, solvent
a liquid substance capable of dissolving other substances

thickener, thickening
any material used to thicken

toner
a black or colored powder used in a printer to develop a xerographic image

trace element
an element that occurs at very small quantities in the body but is nonetheless important for many biological processes

translucent substance, transparent substance
a material having the property of admitting light diffusely; a partly transparent material

undercut
the material removed by a cut made underneath

builder, detergent builder
a substance added to soaps or detergents to increase their cleansing action

vernix, vernix caseosa
a white cheeselike protective material that covers the skin of a fetus

wad
a small mass of soft material

metalloid
a nonmetallic element that has some of the properties of metal

type of:
matter
that which has mass and occupies space

component, component part, constituent, moiety, part, portion
something determined in relation to something that includes it
noun
material of a particular kind or constitution

“the immune response recognizes invading substances”

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type of:
physical entity
an entity that has physical existence
noun
a particular kind or species of matter with uniform properties

“shigella is one of the most toxic substances known to man”

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food, nutrient
any substance that can be metabolized by an animal to give energy and build tissue

nutrient
any substance (such as a chemical element or inorganic compound) that can be taken in by a green plant and used in organic synthesis

elixir, philosopher's stone, philosophers' stone
hypothetical substance that the alchemists believed to be capable of changing base metals into gold

allergen
any substance that can cause an allergy

assay
a substance that is undergoing an analysis of its components

pyrectic, pyrogen
any substance that can cause a rise in body temperature

pyrogen
any substance characterized by its great flammability

hydrocolloid
a substance that forms a gel with water

adulterant, adulterator
any substance that lessens the purity or effectiveness of a substance

propellant, propellent
any substance that propels

denaturant
any substance that serves as a denaturing agent

inhibitor
a substance that retards or stops an activity

ferment
a substance capable of bringing about fermentation

agent
a substance that exerts some force or effect

carcinogen
any substance that produces cancer

digestive
any substance that promotes digestion

fomentation
a substance used as a warm moist medicinal compress or poultice

fuel
a substance that can be consumed to produce energy

lube, lubricant, lubricating substance, lubricator
a substance capable of reducing friction by making surfaces smooth or slippery

humectant
any substance that is added to another substance to keep it moist

inoculant, inoculum
a substance (a virus or toxin or immune serum) that is introduced into the body to produce or increase immunity to a particular disease

jelly
any substance having the consistency of jelly or gelatin

leaven, leavening
a substance used to produce fermentation in dough or a liquid

refrigerant
any substance used to provide cooling (as in a refrigerator)

lysin
any substance (such as an antibody) or agent that can cause lysis

poison, poisonous substance, toxicant
any substance that causes injury or illness or death of a living organism

chemical irritant
a substance producing irritation

antigen
any substance (as a toxin or enzyme) that stimulates an immune response in the body (especially the production of antibodies)

ligand
a substance (an atom or molecule or radical or ion) that forms a complex around a central atom

metabolite
any substance involved in metabolism (either as a product of metabolism or as necessary for metabolism)

vehicle
any substance that facilitates the use of a drug or pigment or other material that is mixed with it

vitellus, yolk
nutritive material of an ovum stored for the nutrition of an embryo (especially the yellow mass of a bird or reptile egg)

angiotensin II inhibitor
an agent that retards or restrains the action of angiotensin II

antiflatulent
any agent that reduces intestinal gas

antifungal, antifungal agent, antimycotic, antimycotic agent, fungicide
any agent that destroys or prevents the growth of fungi

atropine
a poisonous crystalline alkaloid extracted from the nightshade family; used as an antispasmodic and to dilate the eye pupil; also administered in large amounts as an antidote for organophosphate nerve agents or organophosphate insecticides

antimicrobial, antimicrobic, disinfectant, germicide
an agent (as heat or radiation or a chemical) that destroys microorganisms that might carry disease

drug
a substance that is used as a medicine or narcotic

hyoscyamine
a poisonous crystalline alkaloid (isometric with atropine but more potent); used to treat excess motility of the gastrointestinal tract

immunizing agent, immunogen
any substance or organism that provokes an immune response (produces immunity) when introduced into the body

vermicide
an agent that kills worms (especially those in the intestines)

comfort food
food that is simply prepared and gives a sense of wellbeing; typically food with a high sugar or carbohydrate content that is associated with childhood or with home cooking

comestible, eatable, edible, pabulum, victual, victuals
any substance that can be used as food

fare
the food and drink that are regularly served or consumed

food product, foodstuff
a substance that can be used or prepared for use as food

aliment, alimentation, nourishment, nutriment, nutrition, sustenance, victuals
a source of materials to nourish the body

commissariat, provender, provisions, viands, victuals
a stock or supply of foods

Jell-O, jello
fruit-flavored dessert (trade mark Jell-O) made from a commercially prepared gelatin powder

feed, provender
food for domestic livestock

manna, manna from heaven, miraculous food
(Old Testament) food that God gave the Israelites during the Exodus

beverage, drink, drinkable, potable
any liquid suitable for drinking

water
a liquid necessary for the life of most animals and plants

soul food
food traditionally eaten by African-Americans in the South

micronutrient
a substance needed only in small amounts for normal body function (e.g., vitamins or minerals)

chyme
a semiliquid mass of partially digested food that passes from the stomach through the pyloric sphincter into the duodenum

ragweed pollen
pollen of the ragweed plant is a common allergen

biomass
plant materials and animal waste used as fuel

butane
occurs in natural gas; used in the manufacture of rubber and fuels

charcoal, wood coal
a carbonaceous material obtained by heating wood or other organic matter in the absence of air

coal gas
gaseous mixture produced by distillation of bituminous coal and used for heating and lighting

coke
carbon fuel produced by distillation of coal

diesel fuel, diesel oil
a heavy mineral oil used as fuel in diesel engines

fire
fuel that is burning and is used as a means for cooking

fossil fuel
fuel consisting of the remains of organisms preserved in rocks in the earth's crust with high carbon and hydrogen content

fuel oil, heating oil
a petroleum product used for fuel

gasohol
a gasoline substitute consisting of 90% gasoline and 10% grain alcohol from corn

gas, gasolene, gasoline, petrol
a volatile flammable mixture of hydrocarbons (hexane and heptane and octane etc.) derived from petroleum; used mainly as a fuel in internal-combustion engines

illuminant
something that can serve as a source of light

coal oil, kerosene, kerosine, lamp oil
a flammable hydrocarbon oil used as fuel in lamps and heaters

methanol, methyl alcohol, wood alcohol, wood spirit
a light volatile flammable poisonous liquid alcohol; used as an antifreeze and solvent and fuel and as a denaturant for ethyl alcohol

nuclear fuel
fuel (such as uranium) that can be used in nuclear reactors as a source of electricity

propane
colorless gas found in natural gas and petroleum; used as a fuel

rocket fuel, rocket propellant, rocket propellent
an explosive charge that propels a rocket

red fire
combustible material (usually salts of lithium or strontium) that burns bright red; used in flares and fireworks

antioxidant
substance that inhibits oxidation or inhibits reactions promoted by oxygen or peroxides

anticatalyst
(chemistry) a substance that retards a chemical reaction or diminishes the activity of a catalyst

moderator
any substance used to slow down neutrons in nuclear reactors

baking powder
any of various powdered mixtures used in baking as a substitute for yeast

alkaliser, alkalizer, antacid, antiacid, gastric antacid
an agent that counteracts or neutralizes acidity (especially in the stomach)

bacteriostat
a chemical or biological material that inhibits bacterial growth

blanching agent, bleach, bleaching agent, whitener
an agent that makes things white or colorless

chemical agent
an agent that produces chemical reactions

coagulant, coagulator
an agent that produces coagulation

combustible, combustible material
a substance that can be burned to provide heat or power

coolant
a fluid agent (gas or liquid) that produces cooling; especially one used to cool a system by transferring heat away from one part to another

cryogen
a liquid that boils at below -160 C and is used as a refrigerant

cytolysin
a substance that partly or completely destroys animal cells

diluent, thinner
a diluting agent

drilling fluid, drilling mud
a mixture of clays and chemicals and water; pumped down the drill pipe to lubricate and cool the drilling bit and to flush out the cuttings and to strengthen the sides of the hole

compressed gas
gas at a high pressure that can be used as a propellant

propanediol, propylene glycol
a sweet colorless, viscous, hygroscopic liquid used as an antifreeze and in brake fluid and also as a humectant in cosmetics and personal care items although it can be absorbed through the skin with harmful effects

emmenagogue
any agent that promotes menstrual discharge

galactagogue
agent that induces milk secretion

water gas
a mixture of hydrogen and carbon monoxide with small amounts of other gases; made by blowing steam over hot coke or coal

culture medium, medium
(bacteriology) a nutrient substance (solid or liquid) that is used to cultivate micro-organisms

hypnagogue
an agent that induces drowsiness or sleep

hypoglycaemic agent, hypoglycemic agent
any of various agents that decrease the level of glucose in the blood and are used in the treatment of diabetes mellitus

inducer
an agent capable of activating specific genes

lactifuge
any agent that reduces milk secretion (as given to a woman who is not breast feeding)

lactogen
any agent that enhances milk production

mitogen
an agent that triggers mitosis

motor oil
oil used to lubricate the moving parts of a motor

nerve agent, nerve gas
a toxic gas that is inhaled or absorbed through the skin and has harmful effects on the nervous and respiratory system

mineral jelly, petrolatum, petroleum jelly
a semisolid mixture of hydrocarbons obtained from petroleum; used in medicinal ointments and for lubrication

precipitant
an agent that causes a precipitate to form

agglutinogen
any substance that acts as an antigen to cause agglutinin production

capsaicin
colorless pungent crystalline compound derived from capsicum; source of the hotness of hot peppers of the genus Capsicum such as chili and cayenne and jalapeno

gingerol
derived from ginger; source of the hotness of ginger

piperin, piperine
derived from pepper (especially black pepper); source of the hotness of black and white pepper

isothiocyanate
a family of compounds derived from horseradish and radishes and onions and mustards; source of the hotness of those plants and preparations

fetoprotein, foetoprotein
any of several antigens that occur naturally in the fetus and sometimes in adults with cancer

toxin
a poisonous substance produced during the metabolism and growth of certain microorganisms and some higher plant and animal species

anatoxin, toxoid
a bacterial toxin that has been weakened until it is no longer toxic but is strong enough to induce the formation of antibodies and immunity to the specific disease caused by the toxin

Rh, Rh factor, rhesus factor
a blood group antigen possessed by Rh-positive people; if an Rh-negative person receives a blood transfusion from an Rh-positive person it can result in hemolysis and anemia

solvating agent
an agent that converts something into a solvate

viricide, virucide
an agent (physical or chemical) that inactivates or destroys viruses

sourdough
a leaven of dough in which fermentation is active; used by pioneers for making bread

firewood
wood used for fuel

igniter, ignitor, lighter
a substance used to ignite or kindle a fire

barm, yeast
a commercial leavening agent containing yeast cells; used to raise the dough in making bread and for fermenting beer or whiskey

type of:
matter
that which has mass and occupies space
noun
the choicest or most essential or most vital part of some idea or experience

synonyms: center, centre, core, essence, gist, heart, heart and soul, inwardness, kernel, marrow, meat, nitty-gritty, nub, pith, sum

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types:
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bare bones
(plural) the most basic facts or elements

hypostasis
(metaphysics) essential nature or underlying reality

haecceity, quiddity
the essence that makes something the kind of thing it is and makes it different from any other

distillation, quintessence
the purest and most concentrated essence of something

stuff
a critically important or characteristic component

type of:
cognitive content, content, mental object
the sum or range of what has been perceived, discovered, or learned
noun
what a communication that is about something is about

synonyms: content, message, subject matter

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body
the central message of a communication

corker
(dated slang) a remarkable or excellent thing or person

reminder
a message that helps you remember something

petition, postulation, request
a formal message requesting something that is submitted to an authority

memorial
a written statement of facts submitted in conjunction with a petition to an authority

latent content
(psychoanalysis) hidden meaning of a fantasy or dream

subject, theme, topic
the subject matter of a conversation or discussion

aside, digression, divagation, excursus, parenthesis, tangent
a message that departs from the main subject

import, meaning, significance, signification
the message that is intended or expressed or signified

bunk, hokum, meaninglessness, nonsense, nonsensicality
a message that seems to convey no meaning

drivel, garbage
a worthless message

acknowledgement, acknowledgment
a statement acknowledging something or someone

refusal
a message refusing to accept something that is offered

info, information
a message received and understood

counsel, counseling, counselling, direction, guidance
something that provides direction or advice as to a decision or course of action

commitment, dedication
a message that makes a pledge

approval, commendation
a message expressing a favorable opinion

disapproval
the expression of disapproval

respects
(often used with `pay') a formal expression of esteem

discourtesy, disrespect
an expression of lack of respect

insertion, interpolation
a message (spoken or written) that is introduced or inserted

statement
a message that is stated or declared; a communication (oral or written) setting forth particulars or facts etc

statement
a nonverbal message

humor, humour, wit, witticism, wittiness
a message whose ingenuity or verbal skill or incongruity has the power to evoke laughter

opinion, view
a message expressing a belief about something; the expression of a belief that is held with confidence but not substantiated by positive knowledge or proof

direction, instruction
a message describing how something is to be done

proposal
something proposed (such as a plan or assumption)

offer, offering
something offered (as a proposal or bid)

entry, submission
something (manuscripts or architectural plans and models or estimates or works of art of all genres etc.) submitted for the judgment of others (as in a competition)

narration, narrative, story, tale
a message that tells the particulars of an act or occurrence or course of events; presented in writing or drama or cinema or as a radio or television program

packaging, promotion, promotional material, publicity
a message issued in behalf of some product or cause or idea or person or institution

sensationalism
subject matter that is calculated to excite and please vulgar tastes

shocker
a sensational message (in a film or play or novel)

guideline, road map
a detailed plan or explanation to guide you in setting standards or determining a course of action

tearjerker
an excessively sentimental narrative

sum-up, summary
a brief statement that presents the main points in a concise form

ammunition
information that can be used to attack or defend a claim or argument or viewpoint

factoid
something resembling a fact; unverified (often invented) information that is given credibility because it appeared in print

credits
a list of acknowledgements of those who contributed to the creation of a film (usually run at the end of the film)

application
a verbal or written request for assistance or employment or admission to a school

appeal, collection, ingathering, solicitation
request for a sum of money

receipt
an acknowledgment (usually tangible) that payment has been made

pleading
(law) a statement in legal and logical form stating something on behalf of a party to a legal proceeding

bone of contention
the subject of a dispute

precedent
a subject mentioned earlier (preceding in time)

lexical meaning
the meaning of a content word that depends on the nonlinguistic concepts it is used to express

grammatical meaning
the meaning of a word that depends on its role in a sentence; varies with inflectional form

symbolisation, symbolization
the use of symbols to convey meaning

sense, signified
the meaning of a word or expression; the way in which a word or expression or situation can be interpreted

connotation, intension
what you must know in order to determine the reference of an expression

referent
something referred to; the object of a reference

burden, core, effect, essence, gist
the central meaning or theme of a speech or literary work

intent, purport, spirit
the intended meaning of a communication

lesson, moral
the significance of a story or event

nicety, nuance, refinement, shade, subtlety
a subtle difference in meaning or opinion or attitude

overtone
(usually plural) an ulterior implicit meaning or quality

point
a brief version of the essential meaning of something

absurdity, absurdness, ridiculousness
a message whose content is at variance with reason

amphigory, nonsense verse
nonsensical writing (usually verse)

balderdash, fiddle-faddle, piffle
trivial nonsense

buzzword, cant
stock phrases that have become nonsense through endless repetition

cobblers
nonsense

crock
nonsense; foolish talk

fa la, fal la
meaningless syllables in the refrain of a partsong

gibber, gibberish
unintelligible talking

incoherence, incoherency, unintelligibility
nonsense that is simply incoherent and unintelligible

jabberwocky
nonsensical language (according to Lewis Carroll)

flummery, mummery
meaningless ceremonies and flattery

empty talk, empty words, hot air, palaver, rhetoric
loud and confused and empty talk

rigamarole, rigmarole
a set of confused and meaningless statements

schmegegge, shmegegge
(Yiddish) baloney; hot air; nonsense

hooey, poppycock, stuff, stuff and nonsense
senseless talk

baloney, bilgewater, boloney, bosh, drool, humbug, taradiddle, tarradiddle, tommyrot, tosh, twaddle
pretentious or silly talk or writing

buncombe, bunk, bunkum, guff, hogwash, rot
unacceptable behavior (especially ludicrously false statements)

applesauce, codswallop, folderol, rubbish, trash, tripe, trumpery, wish-wash
nonsensical talk or writing

pablum, pap
worthless or oversimplified ideas

farewell, word of farewell
an acknowledgment or expression of goodwill at parting

greeting, salutation
(usually plural) an acknowledgment or expression of good will (especially on meeting)

aloha, ciao
an acknowledgment that can be used to say hello or goodbye (aloha is Hawaiian and ciao is Italian)

handclasp, handshake, handshaking, shake
grasping and shaking a person's hand (as to acknowledge an introduction or to agree on a contract)

apology
an expression of regret at having caused trouble for someone

mea culpa
an acknowledgment of your error or guilt

commiseration, condolence
an expression of sympathy with another's grief

declination, regrets
a polite refusal of an invitation

misinformation
information that is incorrect

material
information (data or ideas or observations) that can be used or reworked into a finished form

details, inside information
true confidential information

fact
a statement or assertion of verified information about something that is the case or has happened

data format, data formatting, format, formatting
the organization of information according to preset specifications (usually for computer processing)

gen
informal term for information

database
an organized body of related information

intelligence, news, tidings, word
information about recent and important events

news
informal information of any kind that is not previously known to someone

nuts and bolts
detailed practical information about how something works or how something can be accomplished

intelligence, intelligence information
secret information about an enemy (or potential enemy)

confirmation
information that confirms or verifies

career counseling
counseling on career opportunities

cynosure
something that provides guidance (as Polaris guides mariners)

genetic counseling
guidance for prospective parents on the likelihood of genetic disorders in their future children

marriage counseling
counseling on marital problems and disagreements

confidential information, hint, lead, steer, tip, wind
an indication of potential opportunity

insider information
important information about the plans or condition of a corporation that has not been released to the public; use for personal profit is illegal

rule
any one of a systematic body of regulations defining the way of life of members of a religious order

prescript, rule
prescribed guide for conduct or action

rubric
directions for the conduct of Christian church services (often printed in red in a prayer book)

advice
a proposal for an appropriate course of action

arcanum, secret
information known only to a special group

secret
something that should remain hidden from others (especially information that is not to be passed on)

propaganda
information that is spread for the purpose of promoting some cause

course of study, curriculum, program, programme, syllabus
an integrated course of academic studies

news
information reported in a newspaper or news magazine

oath, swearing
a commitment to tell the truth (especially in a court of law); to lie under oath is to become subject to prosecution for perjury

affirmation
(religion) a solemn declaration that serves the same purpose as an oath (if an oath is objectionable to the person on religious or ethical grounds)

approbation
official recognition or approval

countenance, endorsement, imprimatur, indorsement, sanction, warrant
formal and explicit approval

credit, recognition
approval

connivance, secret approval, tacit consent
(law) tacit approval of someone's wrongdoing

permission
approval to do something

encouragement
the expression of approval and support

acclaim, acclamation, eclat, plaudit, plaudits
enthusiastic approval

applause, clapping, hand clapping
a demonstration of approval by clapping the hands together

cheer
a cry or shout of approval

congratulations, extolment, kudos, praise
an expression of approval and commendation

testimonial, tribute
something given or done as an expression of esteem

condemnation, disapprobation
an expression of strong disapproval; pronouncing as wrong or morally culpable

criticism, unfavorable judgment
disapproval expressed by pointing out faults or shortcomings

abuse, contumely, insult, revilement, vilification
a rude expression intended to offend or hurt

derision
contemptuous laughter

ridicule
language or behavior intended to mock or humiliate

contempt, scorn
open disrespect for a person or thing

depreciation, derogation, disparagement
a communication that belittles somebody or something

cheek, impertinence, impudence
an impudent statement

amendment
a statement that is added to or revises or improves a proposal or document (a bill or constitution etc.)

thing
a statement regarded as an object

true statement, truth
a true statement

description, verbal description
a statement that represents something in words

declaration
a statement that is emphatic and explicit (spoken or written)

announcement, annunciation, declaration, proclamation
a formal public statement

Bill of Rights
a statement of fundamental rights and privileges (especially the first ten amendments to the United States Constitution)

formula
a conventionalized statement expressing some fundamental principle

mathematical statement
a statement of a mathematical relation

evidence
(law) all the means by which any alleged matter of fact whose truth is investigated at judicial trial is established or disproved

bid, bidding
(bridge) the number of tricks a bridge player is willing to contract to make

word
a brief statement

account, explanation
a statement that makes something comprehensible by describing the relevant structure or operation or circumstances etc.

explanandum, explicandum
(logic) a statement of something (a fact or thing or expression) to be explained

explanans
(logic) statements that explain the explicandum; the explanatory premises

value statement
a statement of the desirability of something

representation
a statement of facts and reasons made in appealing or protesting

answer, resolution, result, solution, solvent
a statement that solves a problem or explains how to solve the problem

answer, reply, response
a statement (either spoken or written) that is made to reply to a question or request or criticism or accusation

announcement, promulgation
a public statement containing information about an event that has happened or is going to happen

forecasting, foretelling, prediction, prognostication
a statement made about the future

proposition
(logic) a statement that affirms or denies something and is either true or false

quotation
a statement of the current market price of a security or commodity

falsehood, falsity, untruth
a false statement

understatement
a statement that is restrained in ironic contrast to what might have been said

qualification, reservation
a statement that limits or restricts some claim

cautious statement
a statement made with careful qualifications

comment, commentary
a written explanation or criticism or illustration that is added to a book or other textual material

comment, input, remark
a statement that expresses a personal opinion or belief or adds information

rhetorical question
a statement that is formulated as a question but that is not supposed to be answered

misstatement
a statement that contains a mistake

restatement
a revised statement

agreement, understanding
the statement (oral or written) of an exchange of promises

condition, term
(usually plural) a statement of what is required as part of an agreement

jeu d'esprit
a witty comment or writing

bon mot, mot
a clever remark

esprit de l'escalier
a witty remark that occurs to you too late

bite, pungency
wit having a sharp and caustic quality

caustic remark, irony, sarcasm, satire
witty language used to convey insults or scorn

repartee
adroitness and cleverness in reply

gag, jape, jest, joke, laugh
a humorous anecdote or remark intended to provoke laughter

caricature, imitation, impersonation
a representation of a person that is exaggerated for comic effect

cartoon, sketch
a humorous or satirical drawing published in a newspaper or magazine

fun, play, sport
verbal wit or mockery (often at another's expense but not to be taken seriously)

ribaldry
ribald humor

topper
an exceedingly good witticism that surpasses all that have gone before

adverse opinion
an opinion concerning financial statements (usually based on an audit by a CPA) that the statements as a whole do not present results fairly or are not in conformity with the generally accepted accounting practices of the United States

conjecture, guess, hypothesis, speculation, supposition, surmisal, surmise
a message expressing an opinion based on incomplete evidence

position, side
an opinion that is held in opposition to another in an argument or dispute

estimate
a statement indicating the likely cost of some job

head, question
the subject matter at issue

misdirection
incorrect directions or instructions

address, destination, name and address
written directions for finding some location; written on letters or packages that are to be delivered to that location

markup
detailed stylistic instructions for typesetting something that is to be printed; manual markup is usually written on the copy (e.g. underlining words that are to be set in italics)

prescription
directions prescribed beforehand; the action of prescribing authoritative rules or directions

formula, recipe
directions for making something

rule
directions that define the way a game or sport is to be conducted

stage direction
an instruction written as part of the script of a play

style
editorial directions to be followed in spelling and punctuation and capitalization and typographical display

chemical formula, formula
a representation of a substance using symbols for its constituent elements

read-out, readout
the information displayed or recorded on an electronic device

phylactery, tefillin
(Judaism) either of two small leather cases containing texts from the Hebrew Scriptures (known collectively as tefillin); traditionally worn (on the forehead and the left arm) by Jewish men during morning prayer

tabular matter, tabulation
information set out in tabular form

blasphemy
blasphemous language (expressing disrespect for God or for something sacred)

contract offer
offer by an employer to contract to pay an employee at a given rate

marriage offer, marriage proposal, proposal, proposal of marriage
an offer of marriage

proposition
an offer for a private bargain (especially a request for sexual favors)

counterproposal
a proposal offered as an alternative to an earlier proposal

hypothesis
a proposal intended to explain certain facts or observations

proffer, proposition, suggestion
a proposal offered for acceptance or rejection

introduction
a new proposal

re-introduction
a proposal of something previously rejected

motion, question
a formal proposal for action made to a deliberative assembly for discussion and vote

counteroffer
an offer made by someone who has rejected a prior offer

bid, tender
a formal proposal to buy at a specified price

prospectus
a formal written offer to sell securities (filed with the SEC) that sets forth a plan for a (proposed) business enterprise

tender offer
an offer to buy shares in a corporation (usually above the market price) for cash or securities or both

reward
the offer of money for helping to find a criminal or for returning lost property

rights issue, rights offering
an offering of common stock to existing shareholders who hold subscription rights or pre-emptive rights that entitle them to buy newly issued shares at a discount from the price at which they will be offered to the public later

special
a special offering (usually temporary and at a reduced price) that is featured in advertising

olive branch, peace offering
something offered to an adversary in the hope of obtaining peace

twofer
an offer of two for the price of one

filing
the entering of a legal document into the public record

demand
an urgent or peremptory request

representation
a factual statement made by one party in order to induce another party to enter into a contract

declaration
a statement of taxable goods or of dutiable properties

admission
an acknowledgment of the truth of something

skinny
confidential information about a topic or person

stuff
information in some unspecified form

report, report card
a written evaluation of a student's scholarship and deportment

tall tale
an improbable (unusual or incredible or fanciful) story

folk tale, folktale
a tale circulated by word of mouth among the common folk

sob story, sob stuff
a sentimental story (or drama) of personal distress; designed to arouse sympathy

fairy story, fairy tale, fairytale
a children's story involving imaginary, magical or fantastical beings or elements

nursery rhyme
a tale in rhymed verse for children

promise
a verbal commitment by one person to another agreeing to do (or not to do) something in the future

assurance
a statement intended to inspire confidence

assurance, pledge
a binding commitment to do or give or refrain from something

thanks
an acknowledgment of appreciation

recital
a detailed statement giving facts and figures

keynote
the principal theme in a speech or literary work

buildup
highly favorable publicity and praise

PR, public relations
a promotion intended to create goodwill for a person or institution

blurb, endorsement, indorsement
a promotional statement (as found on the dust jackets of books)

ballyhoo, hoopla, hype, plug
blatant or sensational promotion

pitch, sales pitch, sales talk
promotion by means of an argument and demonstration

ad, advert, advertisement, advertising, advertizement, advertizing
a public promotion of some product or service

sales promotion
promotion that supplements or coordinates advertising

discouragement
the expression of opposition and disapproval

system command
a computer user's instruction (not part of a program) that calls for action by the computer's executive program

negation
a negative statement; a statement that is a refusal or denial of some other statement

proposition
a suggested law or policy that citizens can vote for or against

motion
a request to a court for a ruling or order

type of:
communication
something that is communicated by or to or between people or groups
noun
the idea that is intended

synonyms: meaning

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types:
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semantics
the meaning of a word, phrase, sentence, or text

implication, import, significance, subtext
a meaning that is not expressly stated but can be inferred

strain, tenor
the general meaning or substance of an utterance

undercurrent, undertone
a subdued emotional quality underlying an utterance; implicit meaning

denotation, extension, reference
the most direct or specific meaning of a word or expression; the class of objects that an expression refers to

reference
the relation between a word or phrase and the object or idea it refers to

connotation
an idea that is implied or suggested

drift, purport
the pervading meaning or tenor

type of:
idea, thought
the content of cognition; the main thing you are thinking about
noun
considerable capital (wealth or income)

synonyms: means

see moresee less

types:
pocketbook
your personal financial means

wherewithal
the necessary means (especially financial means)

type of:
capital
wealth in the form of money or property owned by a person or business and human resources of economic value

Pronunciation

/ˈsəbstəns/

/ˈsəbstɪns/

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substance

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/ˈsəbstɪns/

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/ˈsəbstɪns/

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/ˈsəbstəns/

/ˈsəbstɪns/

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