Sub·stan·tive a.
1. Betokening or expressing existence; as, the substantive verb, that is, the verb to be.
2. Depending on itself; independent.
He considered how sufficient and substantive this land was to maintain itself without any aid of the foreigner. --Bacon.
3. Enduring; solid; firm; substantial.
Strength and magnitude are qualities which impress the imagination in a powerful and substantive manner. --Hazlitt.
4. Pertaining to, or constituting, the essential part or principles; as, the law substantive.
Noun substantive Gram., a noun which designates an object, material or immaterial; a substantive.
Substantive color, one which communicates its color without the aid of a mordant or base; -- opposed to adjective color.