substrate

C1 · Advanced Countable noun Science Technical

n. a substance that an enzyme acts on to cause a chemical reaction.

n. the specific compound or molecule upon which an enzyme acts to produce a chemical change.

“The enzyme breaks down the substrate into smaller pieces of sugar.”

“The lock-and-key model describes how the enzyme's active site is shaped specifically to fit its corresponding substrate.”

C1 · Advanced Countable noun Science Technical

n. a bottom layer or base that supports something else on top of it.

n. an underlying substance or layer; a substratum providing the foundation for another material.

“The silicon substrate is the base for all the tiny parts in a computer chip.”

“Before applying the final decorative coating, the technician ensured the metal substrate was free of any oxidation or debris.”

C2 · Proficiency Countable noun Academic · Technical

n. a language that was spoken in an area before a new one took over and influenced it.

n. a language of lower prestige which influences a dominant language that has replaced it in a population.

“The local language acted as a substrate, changing how the new settlers spoke.”

“Linguists argue that the Celtic substrate significantly influenced the phonology and syntax of the English spoken in those specific regions.”