substance

noun

1. the real physical matter of which a person or thing consists"DNA is the substance of our genes"
2. the choicest or most essential or most vital part of some idea or experience"the gist of the prosecutor's argument"
3. the idea that is intended"What is the meaning of this proverb?"
4. material of a particular kind or constitution"the immune response recognizes invading substances"
5. considerable capital (wealth or income)"he is a man of means"
6. content communicating a message; what something is about
7. the property of holding together and retaining its shape"wool has more body than rayon"
8. a particular kind or species of matter with uniform properties"shigella is one of the most toxic substances known to man"