substitution

noun sub·sti·tu·tion \ˌsəb-stə-ˈtü-shən, -ˈtyü-\

: the act of substituting or replacing one person or thing with another

: someone or something that is or can be substituted for another

Full Definition of SUBSTITUTION

a : the act, process, or result of substituting one thing for another

b : replacement of one mathematical entity by another of equal value

: one that is substituted for another

— sub·sti·tu·tion·al \-shnəl, -shə-n^əl\ adjective

— sub·sti·tu·tion·al·ly adverb

— sub·sti·tu·tion·ary \-shə-ˌner-ē\ adjective

See substitution defined for English-language learners

Origin of SUBSTITUTION

Middle English substitucion, from Middle French, from Late Latin substitution-, substitutio, from substituere

First Known Use: 14th century

Rhymes with SUBSTITUTION

absolution, allocution, attribution, comminution, consecution, constitution, contribution, convolution, destitution, dissolution, distribution, elocution, evolution, execution, exsolution, institution, involution, persecution, prosecution, prostitution, resolution, restitution, retribution, revolution, Rosicrucian

SUBSTITUTIONALLY Defined for Kids

substitution

noun sub·sti·tu·tion \ˌsəb-stə-ˈtü-shən, -ˈtyü-\

Definition of SUBSTITUTION for Kids

: the act or process of putting in or taking the place of another

Medical Dictionary

substitution

noun sub·sti·tu·tion \ˌsəb-stə-ˈt(y)ü-shən\

Medical Definition of SUBSTITUTION

: a chemical reaction in which one or more atoms or groups in a molecule are replaced by equivalent atoms or groups to form at least two products; especially : the replacement of hydrogen in an organic compound by another element or group

a : the turning from an obstructed desire to another desire whose gratification is socially acceptable b : the turning from an obstructed form of behavior to a different and often more primitive expression of the same tendency <a substitution neurosis> c : the reacting to each of a set of stimuli by a response prescribed in a key <a substitution test for speed of learning new responses>