sub·stance 
/ˈsʌbstəns/ noun
plural sub·stanc·es /ˈsʌbstəns/ noun 1 [count] a : a material of a particular kind
▪ chemical/toxic/hazardous/dangerous substances ▪ The pancreas secretes a substance called insulin. ▪ The floor was covered with a white, powdery substance that turned out to be flour.
b : a drug that is considered harmful and whose use is controlled by law or made illegal
▪ heroin and other illegal substances ▪ He had a history of substance abuse. ▪ Codeine is a controlled substance. [=a drug that you need permission from a doctor to use] 2 [noncount] a : the quality of being meaningful, useful, or important
▪ matters of substance ▪ When has he ever said anything of substance? ▪ The book lacks substance.
b : the quality of being true or believable
▪ These rumors have no substance. = These rumors are without substance. [=these rumors are not true] ▪ The results of the study give substance to their theory. 3 [noncount] : the most basic or necessary part or quality of something : essence
▪ the substance of my argument ▪ These two books differ in both style and substance. [=content] ▪ He stated, in substance [=in essence, essentially], that it is not his fault and he will not pay for damages.
▪ chemical/toxic/hazardous/dangerous substances ▪ The pancreas secretes a substance called insulin. ▪ The floor was covered with a white, powdery substance that turned out to be flour.
b : a drug that is considered harmful and whose use is controlled by law or made illegal
▪ heroin and other illegal substances ▪ He had a history of substance abuse. ▪ Codeine is a controlled substance. [=a drug that you need permission from a doctor to use]
▪ matters of substance ▪ When has he ever said anything of substance? ▪ The book lacks substance.
b : the quality of being true or believable
▪ These rumors have no substance. = These rumors are without substance. [=these rumors are not true] ▪ The results of the study give substance to their theory.
▪ the substance of my argument ▪ These two books differ in both style and substance. [=content] ▪ He stated, in substance [=in essence, essentially], that it is not his fault and he will not pay for damages.
a man/woman/person of substance
literary : a person who is rich and powerful
▪ She married a man of substance.
▪ She married a man of substance.
sum and substance — see 1sum
