adj. & n.
adj. also 1 having separate and independent existence. 2 Law relating to rights and duties. 3 (of an enactment, motion, resolution, etc.) made in due form as such; not amended. 4 Gram. expressing existence. 5 (of a dye) not needing a mordant. 6 Mil. (of a rank etc.) permanent, not acting or temporary. 7 archaic denoting a substance.
n. Gram. = NOUN. the substantive verb the verb 'to be'. substantival adj. substantively adv. esp. Gram.
[ ME f. OF substantif -ive, or LL substantivus (as SUBSTANCE) ]