Main Entry: ²substitute

Function: verb

Inflected Form(s): substitut·ed; substitut·ing

Date: circa 1594

transitive verb 1 a : to put or use in the place of another b : to introduce (an atom or group) as a substituent; also : to alter (as a compound) by introduction of a substituent <a substituted benzene ring>
2 : to take the place of : replaceintransitive verb : to serve as a substitute