substance substance /ˈsʌbstəns/

noun

1. () The real physical matter of which a person or thing consists  ( substance )
   the real physical matter of which a person or thing consists
    DNA is the substance of our genes
   DNA is the substance of our genes
   
2. () The idea that is intended  ( substance , meaning )
   the idea that is intended
    What is the meaning of this proverb?
   What is the meaning of this proverb?
   
3. () The choicest or most essential or most vital part of some idea or experience  ( centre [Canadian, British] , gist , heart and soul , inwardness , kernel , marrow , meat , nitty-gritty , nub , center [American] , core , essence , heart , pith , substance , sum )
   the choicest or most essential or most vital part of some idea or experience
    The gist of the prosecutor's argument
   the gist of the prosecutor's argument
    The heart and soul of the Republican Party
   the heart and soul of the Republican Party
    The nub of the story
   the nub of the story
   
4. A particular kind or species of matter with uniform properties  ( substance )
   a particular kind or species of matter with uniform properties
    Shigella is one of the most toxic substances known to man
   shigella is one of the most toxic substances known to man
   
5. The property of holding together and retaining its shape  ( consistence , substance , body , consistency )
   the property of holding together and retaining its shape
    Wool has more body than rayon
   wool has more body than rayon
    When the dough has enough consistency it is ready to bake
   when the dough has enough consistency it is ready to bake
   
6. What a communication that is about something is about  ( substance , subject matter , content , message )
   what a communication that is about something is about
     The blog post's content was informative and engaging.
   The blog post's content was informative and engaging.
   
7. Considerable capital (wealth or income)  ( means , substance )
   considerable capital (wealth or income)
    He is a man of means
   he is a man of means
   
8. Material of a particular kind or constitution  ( substance )
   material of a particular kind or constitution
    The immune response recognizes invading substances
   the immune response recognizes invading substances