substance

SUB'STANCE, noun [Latin substantia, substo; sub and sto, to stand.]1. In a general sense, being; something existing by itself; that which really is or exists; equally applicable to matter or spirit. Thus the soul of man is called an immaterial substance a cogitative substance a substance endued with thought. We say, a stone is a hard substance tallow is a soft substance 2. That which supports accidents.That which subsists by itself is called substance; that which subsists in and by another, is called a mode or manner of being.3. The essential part; the main or material part. In this epitome, we have the substance of the whole book.This edition is the same in substance with the Latin.4. Something real, not imaginary; something solid, not empty.Heroic virtue did his actions guide, And he the substance not th' appearance chose.5. Body; corporeal nature or matter.The qualities of plants are more various than those of animal substances.6. Goods; estate; means of living. Job's substance was seven thousand sheep, three thousand camels, etc. Job 1:3.We are--exhausting our substance but not for our own interest