1. an underlying substance or layer on which something else is formed or attached
2. a substance on which an enzyme acts during a biochemical reaction
Usage: biochemistry
3. the material or surface on which an organism lives, grows, or feeds
Usage: biology

Examples

• The artist prepared a smooth substrate before applying the paint.
• Silicon wafers serve as substrates for computer chips.
• The enzyme breaks down its substrate into smaller molecules.
• Glucose is a common substrate in cellular respiration.
• Coral polyps attach themselves to hard substrates on the ocean floor.
• The bacteria grew rapidly on the nutrient-rich substrate.
• Metal substrates require special coatings to prevent corrosion.