Dictionary

1material

adjective ma·te·ri·al \mə-ˈtir-ē-əl\

: relating to or made of matter

: physical rather than spiritual or intellectual

: having real importance

Full Definition of MATERIAL

1
a (1) :  relating to, derived from, or consisting of matter; especially :  physical <the material world> (2) :  bodily <material needs>
b (1) :  of or relating to matter rather than form <material cause>
(2) :  of or relating to the subject matter of reasoning; especially :  empirical <material knowledge>
2
:  having real importance or great consequences <facts material to the investigation>
3
a :  being of a physical or worldly nature
b :  relating to or concerned with physical rather than spiritual or intellectual things <material progress>
ma·te·ri·al·ly \-ē-ə-lē\ adverb
ma·te·ri·al·ness noun
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Origin of MATERIAL

Middle English materiel, from Middle French & Late Latin; Middle French, from Late Latin materialis, from Latin materia matter — more at matter
First Known Use: 14th century

Synonym Discussion of MATERIAL

material, physical, corporeal, phenomenal, sensible, objective mean of or belonging to actuality. material implies formation out of tangible matter; used in contrast with spiritual or ideal it may connote the mundane, crass, or grasping <material values>. physical applies to what is perceived directly by the senses and may contrast with mental, spiritual, or imaginary <the physical benefits of exercise>. corporeal implies having the tangible qualities of a body such as shape, size, or resistance to force <artists have portrayed angels as corporeal beings>. phenomenal applies to what is known or perceived through the senses rather than by intuition or rational deduction <scientists concerned with the phenomenal world>. sensible stresses the capability of readily or forcibly impressing the senses <the earth's rotation is not sensible to us>. objective may stress material or independent existence apart from a subject perceiving it <no objective evidence of damage>.
synonyms see in addition relevant

2material

noun

: a substance from which something is made or can be made

: a substance that has a particular quality

: something used in doing a particular activity

Full Definition of MATERIAL

1
a (1) :  the elements, constituents, or substances of which something is composed or can be made (2) :  matter that has qualities which give it individuality and by which it may be categorized <sticky material> <explosive materials>
b (1) :  something (as data) that may be worked into a more finished form <material for a biography>
(2) :  something used for or made the object of study <material for the next semester> (3) :  a performer's repertoire <a comedian's material>
c :  matter 3b
d :  cloth
e :  a person potentially suited to some pursuit <varsity material> <leadership material>
2
a :  apparatus necessary for doing or making something <writing materials>
b :  matériel

First Known Use of MATERIAL

1556

Other Textiles Terms

batt, bias, brocade, duck, flock, lawn, toile
MATERIAL Defined for Kids

1material

adjective ma·te·ri·al \mə-ˈtir-ē-əl\

Definition of MATERIAL for Kids

1
:  of, relating to, or made of matter :  physical <the material world>
2
:  of or relating to a person's bodily needs or wants <Money buys material comforts.>
3
:  having real importance <Those facts aren't material to the case.>
ma·teri·al·ly adverb

2material

noun

Definition of MATERIAL for Kids

1
:  the elements, substance, or parts of which something is made or can be made <We purchased bricks and other building material.>
2
:  equipment needed for doing something <writing materials>
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