material

Definition of material

Pronunciation

• Audio (US) ^[?]

Etymology

From Middle English material from Late Latin materialis, from Latin materia "wood, material, substance" from mater "mother". Displaced native Middle English andweorc, andwork "material, matter" (from Old English andweorc "matter, substance, material").

Adjective

material (comparative more material, superlative most material)

1. Having to do with matter.
   
   This compound has a number of interesting material properties.
   
   
2. Worldly, as opposed to spiritual.
   
   Don't let material concerns get in the way of living a good life.
   
   
3. Significant.
   
   You've made several material contributions to this project.
   
   This is the most material fact in this lawsuit.

Noun

material (plural materials)

1. Matter which may be shaped or manipulated, particularly in making something.
   
   Asphalt, composed of oil and sand, is a widely used material for roads.
   
   
2. Text written for a specific purpose.
   
   We were a warm-up act at the time; we didn't have enough original material to headline.