Substance - Definition

n 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; "the gist of the prosecutor's argument";
"the heart and soul of the Republican Party"; "the nub of the
story" [syn: kernel, substance, core, center,
centre, essence, gist, heart, heart and soul,
inwardness, marrow, meat, nub, pith, sum, nitty-
gritty]
3: the idea that is intended; "What is the meaning of this
proverb?" [syn: meaning, substance]
4: material of a particular kind or constitution; "the immune
response recognizes invading substances"
5: considerable capital (wealth or income); "he is a man of
means" [syn: means, substance]
6: what a communication that is about something is about [syn:
message, content, subject matter, substance]
7: a particular kind or species of matter with uniform
properties; "shigella is one of the most toxic substances
known to man"