Substrate (Noun)
Meaning 1
An indigenous language that contributes features to the language of an invading people who impose their language on the indigenous population; "the Celtic languages of Britain are a substrate for English".
Classification
Nouns denoting communicative processes and contents.
Synonyms
Meaning 2
A surface on which an organism grows or is attached; "the gardener talked about the proper substrate for acid-loving plants".
Classification
Nouns denoting spatial position.
Examples
- The mycorrhizal fungi thrived on a substrate rich in organic matter and minerals.
- Coral reefs are formed when coral polyps attach themselves to a suitable substrate and start to secrete a hard, calcium carbonate exoskeleton.
- The substrate for the succulents consisted of a mixture of sand, perlite, and peat moss to provide good drainage and aeration.
- In order to culture bacteria, scientists must first prepare a sterile substrate that will support the growth of the microorganisms.
- The hydroponic system required a specialized substrate that would retain moisture and nutrients but also allow for adequate root growth and aeration.
Synonyms
Meaning 3
The substance that is acted upon by an enzyme or ferment.
Classification
Nouns denoting substances.
Meaning 4
Any stratum or layer lying underneath another.
Classification
Nouns denoting spatial position.
Examples
- The substrate of silt and gravel underneath the road allowed water to percolate through and reduce the risk of erosion.
- A hard limestone substrate made up the underlying bedrock beneath the earth's surface, shaping the surrounding landscape.
- During archaeological excavation, researchers identified the distinct cultural and occupation levels through examining the layered substrate beneath the abandoned city.
- Miners exposed the substrate beneath several feet of earth to extract precious mineral resources in the field area.
- Geologists began a comparative study between geological environments, their variables resulting mainly in marked modifications on given substrate attributes resulting.