1. the surfaces or materials on which organisms live, grow, or are attached
Usage: biology
2. substances that are acted upon by enzymes in biochemical reactions
Usage: biochemistry
3. underlying layers or foundations that support something else

Examples

• The coral polyps attach themselves to rocky substrates on the ocean floor.
• Bacteria can grow on various organic substrates in the laboratory.
• The enzyme breaks down glucose and other sugar substrates during metabolism.
• Silicon wafers serve as substrates for manufacturing computer chips.
• The artist prepared canvas substrates before beginning the painting series.
• Marine algae colonize different substrates depending on water conditions.
• The reaction rate depends on the concentration of available substrates.