The word substance originates from Latin substantia, literally meaning "standing under". The word was used to translate the Greek philosophical term ousia. may refer to: Substance theory, in philosophy, that element of an object without which it wouldn't exist, or what exists only by itself (causa sui) Chemical substance, in chemistry, any material with a definite chemical composition Substance (rapper) Substance (Joy Division album) Substance (New Order album) Substance, a song by Haste T… (More on Substance)