stuff-n; 5 Senses

Sense Number 1: material or tangible substance

Commentary: STUFF[+entity][+substance][+tangible]

Examples:
The theory conjectures that tiny strings are the most basic stuff of the universe, out of which everything else is made.
The sticky stuff on the countertop was hard to clean up.
Wheat is the stuff they use to make bread out of.

Mappings:
WordNet 3.0 Sense Numbers: 1

Sense Number 2: collection of miscellaneous artifacts or possessions

Commentary: STUFF[+collection][+artifact][+possessions][+miscellaneous]

Examples:
This antique shop has some really interesting old stuff.
The old tenant left a lot of his stuff in the apartment when he left.
What do you want to do with all the stuff on the porch?

Mappings:
WordNet 3.0 Sense Numbers: 2, 3

Sense Number 3: information content via discourse

Commentary: STUFF[+information][+content][+discourse]

Examples:
Don't listen to that stuff - it's total nonsense!
A lot of boring stuff goes on in the middle of the movie, but the climax is exciting.
His lecture was all stuff we'd heard before.
Don't give me that stuff! (say those things)

Mappings:
WordNet 3.0 Sense Numbers: 4, 5

Sense Number 4: a fundamental constituent or characteristic of something

Commentary: STUFF[+quality][+characteristic][+fundamental][+of_something]

Examples:
His rags-to-riches Hollywood success is the stuff of dreams.
The average worker was made of more resilient stuff than politicians imagined.
Suspense is the very stuff of narrative.

Mappings:
WordNet 3.0 Sense Numbers: 5, 7

Sense Number 5: personal knowledge and skill

Commentary: STUFF[+quality][+skill][+knowledgeable][+personal]
NOTE: uses with self-reference to the subject.

Examples:
When it comes to molecular biology, John really knows his stuff.
The young pitcher assumed the mound and showed his stuff to a sequence of batters.
The actress really strutted her stuff in the final act of the play.
He has the stuff to be an Olympic athlete.

Mappings:
WordNet 0.0 Sense Numbers: 1d