substitution

substitution definition - medical

sub·sti·tu·tion (sŭbˌstĭ-to͞oˈshən)

noun
  1. The replacement of an atom or group of atoms in a compound by another atom or group of atoms.
  2. An unconscious defense mechanism by which the unacceptable or unattainable is replaced by something more acceptable or attainable.

The American Heritage® Medical Dictionary Copyright © 2009 by Houghton Mifflin Harcourt Publishing Company. Published by Houghton Mifflin Harcourt Publishing Company. All rights reserved.

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