■ noun
1》 a particular kind of matter with uniform properties.
↘an intoxicating or narcotic drug.
2》 the real physical matter of which a person or thing consists.
↘solid basis in reality or fact: the claim has no ~.
↘dependability or stability.
3》 the quality of being important, valid, or significant.
↘the most important or essential part or meaning.
↘the subject matter of a text or work of art, especially as contrasted with its form or style.
↘wealth and possessions: a woman of ~.
4》 Philosophy the essential nature underlying phenomena, which is subject to changes and accidents.
Phrases
in ~ essentially.
Origin
ME: from OFr., from L. substantia 'being, essence', from substant- , substare 'stand firm'.