1. Anything that takes the place of another. 2. In psychology, a surrogate.
- blood s. any material ( e.g., human plasma, serum albumin, or a solution of such substances as dextran) used for transfusion in hemorrhage and shock.
- plasma s. a solution of a substance ( e.g., dextran) used for transfusion in hemorrhage or shock as a s. for plasma. SYN: plasma expander.
- volume s. infusion of cell-free or volume-expanding fluids such as dextran for replacement of fluid lost from the circulation as part of the prevention or treatment of circulatory shock.
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sub·sti·tute 'səb-stə-.t(y)üt n a person or thing that takes the place or function of another <father and mother \substitutes>
substitute adj
a) to introduce (an atom or group) as a substituent
b) to alter (as a compound) by introduction of a substituent
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sub·sti·tute (subґstĭ-t
t) [L. substitutus, past part. of substituere to substitute] 1. to put one thing in place of another. 2. a material used in place of another.
Medical dictionary. 2011.