substrate

/ˈsʌbˌstɹeɪt/

Proposed by a contributor, not yet supported by evidence.

Also seen as: substrates

Sense 1

Meaning · English

An underlying layer; a substratum.

Noun

Sources & notes

Adapted from English Wiktionary (CC BY-SA 4.0, retrieved 2026-08-01 via kaikki.org).

Sense 2

Meaning · English

The substance lining the bottom edge of an enclosure.

Noun

Examples

The substrate of an aquarium can affect the water's acidity.

Usage example from English Wiktionary (CC BY-SA 4.0, retrieved 2026-08-01)

Sources & notes

Adapted from English Wiktionary (CC BY-SA 4.0, retrieved 2026-08-01 via kaikki.org).

Sense 3

Meaning · English

Having very slight furrows.

Adjective

Sources & notes

Adapted from English Wiktionary (CC BY-SA 4.0, retrieved 2026-08-01 via kaikki.org).

Common questions

What does “substrate” mean?

An underlying layer; a substratum.

Is “substrate” formal or informal?

No register label has been reviewed yet — treat it as neutral and check the usage notes above.