substance /ˈsʌbstəns/ noun plural substances
plural substances
Learner's definition of SUBSTANCE
1 [count]
a : a material of a particular kind物质;物品 -
chemical/toxic/hazardous/dangerous substances化学/有毒/有害/危险物质
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The pancreas secretes a substance called insulin.胰腺分泌一种叫胰岛素的物质。
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The floor was covered with a white, powdery substance that turned out to be flour.地板上撒满的白色粉末状物质原来是面粉。
b : a drug that is considered harmful and whose use is controlled by law or made illegal(有害)药物 -
heroin and other illegal substances海洛因和其他非法药物
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He had a history of substance abuse.他有嗜毒史。
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Codeine is a controlled substance. [=a drug that you need permission from a doctor to use]可待因是一种管制药物。
2 [noncount]
a : the quality of being meaningful, useful, or important实质;真正的意义;内涵 -
matters of substance实质性问题
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When has he ever said anything of substance?他什么时候说过任何有意义的话?
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The book lacks substance.这本书内容空洞。
b : the quality of being true or believable真实性;可信性 3
[noncount] : the most basic or necessary part or quality of something : essence主旨;要义 -
the substance of my argument本人论点的要义
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These two books differ in both style and substance. [=content]这两本书在风格和内容上都截然不同。
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He stated, in substance [=in essence, essentially], that it is not his fault and he will not pay for damages.他所说的中心意思就是,这并不是他的错,他也不会赔偿任何损失。
a man/woman/person of substance
literary
: a person who is rich and powerful有钱有势的人
sum and substance
— see 1sum