Substances: meaning, definitions and examples

⚗️
Add to dictionary

substances

 

[ ˈsʌbstənsɪz ]

Noun
Context #1 | Noun

chemical compounds

Substances are defined as any material with a definite chemical composition. They can be classified into elements, compounds, and mixtures. Substances can undergo physical and chemical changes.

Synonyms

compounds, elements, materials

Examples of usage

  • The laboratory is studying the properties of different substances.
  • Water is a common substance found on Earth.
Context #2 | Noun

drugs or medications

Substances can also refer to drugs or medications used for therapeutic purposes. They can be natural or synthetic compounds that affect the body in various ways.

Synonyms

drugs, medications, pharmaceuticals

Examples of usage

  • The athlete was banned from competition for using illegal substances.
  • Doctors prescribe different substances to treat various medical conditions.

Translations

Translations of the word "substances" in other languages:

🇵🇹 substâncias

🇮🇳 पदार्थ

🇩🇪 Substanzen

🇮🇩 zat

🇺🇦 речовини

🇵🇱 substancje

🇯🇵 物質

🇫🇷 substances

🇪🇸 sustancias

🇹🇷 maddeler

🇰🇷 물질

🇸🇦 مواد

🇨🇿 látky

🇸🇰 látky

🇨🇳 物质

🇸🇮 snovi

🇮🇸 efni

🇰🇿 заттар

🇬🇪 ნივთიერებები

🇦🇿 maddələr

🇲🇽 sustancias

Etymology

The word 'substances' originated from the Latin word 'substantia', meaning 'essential nature'. It has been used in English since the 14th century to refer to material of a particular kind. Over time, its usage expanded to include chemical compounds and medications.

See also: substantial, substantiality, substantially, unsubstantial.

Word Frequency Rank

At position #2,809, this word belongs to solid intermediate vocabulary. It's frequently used in both casual and formal contexts and is worth learning for better fluency.