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Substrate Meaning: Definition, Examples, and Translations

๐Ÿ”ฌ
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substrate

[หˆsสŒb.streษชt ]

Definitions

Context #1 | Noun

biology

A substance or layer that underlies something, or on which some process occurs.

Synonyms

base, foundation, ground.

Which Synonym Should You Choose?

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Word Description / Examples
substrate

Used often in scientific contexts, especially biology, to refer to the surface or material on which an organism lives or grows.

  • The bacteria thrive on the agar substrate in the petri dish
  • The moss needs a damp substrate to grow
base

Commonly used to describe the bottom support or underlying part of something, can also refer to basic ingredients or principles.

  • The lamp has a strong metal base
  • Flour is a base ingredient in many baked goods
foundation

Often used in building and construction to mean the underlying support of a structure, also can refer to the core principles on which something is built.

  • The house has a concrete foundation
  • The principles of equality and justice form the foundation of our society
ground

Refers to the solid surface of the earth but can also mean the basis for an argument or a basis of knowledge.

  • The picnic was held on the grassy ground
  • She had good grounds for her argument

Examples of usage

  • The soil provides a substrate for plant growth.
  • The substrate of the coral reef is made up of limestone.
Context #2 | Noun

chemistry

The surface or material on or from which an organism lives, grows, or obtains its nourishment.

Synonyms

matrix, medium, surface.

Which Synonym Should You Choose?

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Word Description / Examples
substrate

Use 'substrate' in scientific and technical contexts, particularly in biology, chemistry, and materials science to describe a surface or material on which organisms grow or a substance on which an enzyme acts.

  • The bacteria were cultured on a nutrient-rich substrate
  • The enzyme interacts specifically with its substrate to catalyze the reaction
medium

Use 'medium' when referring to an environment or means through which something operates or is transmitted, commonly used in art, communication, biology, and other fields.

  • Watercolor is her preferred artistic medium
  • Bacteria are grown in a nutrient medium in the lab
surface

Use 'surface' to describe the outermost layer of a material or object. It is often used in everyday language as well as in scientific contexts to describe where interactions or phenomena occur.

  • The surface of the table was clean and polished
  • Solar panels are mounted on the surface of the roof
matrix

Use 'matrix' in contexts that involve a surrounding or supporting structure, often used in mathematics, science, and technical fields. It can describe anything that acts as a framework, whether physical, abstract, or conceptual.

  • The cells are embedded in an extracellular matrix
  • Data is arranged in a matrix for computational analysis

Examples of usage

  • The glass substrate is essential for the growth of the cells in the laboratory.
  • The bacteria thrive on the substrate provided by the decaying matter.
Context #3 | Verb

chemistry

To provide a surface on which a process can occur.

Synonyms

apply, coat, cover.

Which Synonym Should You Choose?

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Word Description / Examples
substrate

Use 'substrate' when referring to a surface or material on which a process occurs or to which other substances are applied. It is often used in scientific contexts.

  • The cells were grown on a glass substrate.
  • The enzyme interacts with its substrate.
coat

Use 'coat' to describe covering something with a layer of a particular substance, often to protect or decorate. This can have a slightly technical or specific usage.

  • The doughnuts were coated with chocolate.
  • You need to coat the surface with a primer first.
cover

Use 'cover' when speaking about placing something over or on top of something else, often to protect, hide, or enclose. It is versatile and can be used in many contexts.

  • She covered the baby with a blanket.
  • The book is covered in dust.
apply

Use 'apply' when referring to the action of putting something on a surface or using a method or tool. This can be in various contexts ranging from applying for a job to applying paint.

  • You should apply sunscreen before going outside.
  • He needs to apply for the permit tomorrow.

Examples of usage

  • The scientist will substrate the petri dish before adding the bacteria culture.
  • It is important to substrate the material to ensure proper adhesion.

Translations

To see the translation, please select a language from the options available.

Interesting Facts

Biology

  • In ecology, a substrate can be soil, rock, or any surface that provides nutrients for plants and animals.
  • Microorganisms often thrive in various substrates, depending on their needs for growth and reproduction.
  • Aquatic plants rely on substrates in water environments to anchor themselves and absorb nutrients.

Material Science

  • In electronics, substrates can refer to materials that support semiconductor devices.
  • The choice of substrate can affect the performance of solar panels and integrated circuits.
  • Different coatings are applied to substrates to enhance properties like conductivity or reflectivity.

Art and Restoration

  • Artists choose various substrates like canvas, wood, or paper to create their artwork.
  • In art restoration, a substrate's condition can greatly influence the preservation techniques used.
  • Understanding the substrate is crucial for assessing the longevity and durability of artworks.

Geology

  • Substrates can refer to the underlying layers of earth that influence soil composition and plant growth.
  • In geology, the substrate often consists of bedrock that provides stability to surface materials.
  • Studying substrates can help scientists understand natural processes like erosion and sedimentation.

Origin of 'substrate'

Main points about word origin

  • The word comes from the Latin 'substratum', meaning 'something laid under'.
  • In scientific terms, it was first used in the 19th century in fields like biology and geology.
  • The prefix 'sub-' means 'under', while 'strate' comes from 'stratum', meaning 'layer'.

The word 'substrate' originated from the Latin word 'substratus', which is the past participle of 'substernere' meaning 'to spread under'. The term has been used in various scientific fields to refer to the underlying surface or material on which something else is based or grows.

See also: sub, subway.

Word Frequency Rank

With rank #4,989, this word represents useful upper-intermediate vocabulary. Understanding and using it will help you express more complex ideas effectively.