1. substances that imitate or substitute for something else, especially synthetic materials that resemble natural ones
Usage: often used in jewelry and gemology
2. drugs or substances that mimic the effects of controlled substances
Usage: medical and pharmaceutical context

Examples

• The jewelry store sold diamond simulants at a fraction of the cost.
• Cubic zirconia and moissanite are popular diamond simulants.
• The laboratory tested various simulants to find safe alternatives.
• Many consumers cannot distinguish between genuine gems and high-quality simulants.
• Researchers developed new simulants for pharmaceutical testing.
• The market for gemstone simulants has grown significantly in recent years.