(a particular kind of) matter; the most important part; chief or real meaning of something
entity, element
Cases of word usage
1) containing an acid substance and especially sour or sharp to the taste (acid)
2) a substance added in small amounts for a particular purpose (additive)
3) the chemical substance in the body that makes the heart beat faster etc, produced by anger, fear, excitement etc (adrenaline)
4) a soluble substance (such as soda, potash, ammonia) that combines with acids to form salts (alkali)
5) having an allergy (to a substance etc) (allergic)
6) a substance that removes the feeling of pain, consciousness etc (anaesthetic)
7) (of) a substance (e.g. penicillin) produced by very small fungi, able to destroy bacteria (antibiotic)
8) a substance in the blood which destroys harmful bacteria etc (antibody)
9) (of) a chemical substance able to prevent disease, especially by destroying germs (antiseptic)
10) a substance able to reduce the effects of poison (antitoxin)