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1. The real physical matter of which a person or thing consists
   "DNA is the substance of our genes"
    
2. The choicest or most essential or most vital part of some idea or experience
   - kernel, core, center [US], centre [Brit, Cdn], essence, gist, heart, heart and soul, inwardness, marrow, meat, nub, pith, sum, nitty-gritty
    
3. The idea that is intended
   - meaning
    
4. Material of a particular kind or constitution
   "the immune response recognizes invading substances"
    
5. Considerable capital (wealth or income)
   - means
    
6. What a communication that is about something is about
   - message, content, subject matter
    
7. A particular kind or species of matter with uniform properties
   "shigella is one of the most toxic substances known to man"
    
8. The property of holding together and retaining its shape
   - consistency, consistence, body

Derived forms: substances

See also: substantial, thick, thin

Type of: capital, cognitive content, communication, component, component part, constituent, content, idea, matter, mental object, part, physical entity, portion, property, thought

Encyclopedia: Substance