substrate

Everyday

1. (science) A substrate is the surface or material that something grows on or lives on, such as soil, sand, rock or a fish tank's gravel. tree →
2. (science) In chemistry and biology, a substrate is the substance that an enzyme acts on and changes. tree →
3. (technology) A substrate is a base layer that something else is built on, like the material under a computer chip. tree →

In the lessons

In science lessons about habitats, the substrate of a rock pool, stream or aquarium is what lives on the bottom. In biology, «enzymes break down substrates». In pet care, reptile and fish owners choose a safe substrate for the tank. Phrases: «on the substrate», «enzyme and substrate».

Examples

• The stream's substrate was gravel and pebbles. tree →
• Mussels attach themselves to a rocky substrate. tree →
• We put sand as the substrate in the fish tank. tree →
• Mushrooms grow on a substrate of wood or straw. tree →
• Each enzyme works on its own substrate. tree →
• The gecko's tank needs a safe substrate. tree →

Note

Countable, science word. «Sub-» means «under»: the layer underneath. Not used in everyday chat.

Meaning