Material substance that occupies space, has mass, and is composed predominantly of atoms consisting of protons, neutrons, and electrons, that constitutes the observable universe, and that is interconvertible with energy . . . . A more or less definite amount or quantity
The formless substratum of all things which exists only potentially and upon which form acts to produce realities
R E F E R E N C E S
Matter n [ME matere, fr. OF, fr. L materia matter, physical substance, fr. matter] [13c] 1a: a subject under consideration b: a subject of disagreement or litigation c pl: the events or circumstances of a particular situation d: the subject or substance of a discourse or writing e: something of an indicated kind or having to do with an indicated field or situation [this is a serious __] [as a __ of policy] [__s of faith] f: something to be proved in law g obs: sensible or serious material as distinguished from nonsense or drollery h [1] obs: Reason, Cause [2]: a source esp. of feeling or emotion i: Problem, Difficulty 2a: the substance of which a physical object is composed b: material substance that occupies space, has mass, and is composed predominantly of atoms consisting of protons, neutrons, and electrons, that constitutes the observable universe, and that is interconvertible with energy c: a material substance of a particular kind or for a particular purpose [vegetable __] d [1]: material [as feces or urine] discharged from the living body [2]: material discharged by suppuration; pus 3a: the indeterminate subject of reality; esp: the element in the universe that undergoes formation and alteration b: the formless substratum of all things which exists only potentially and upon which form acts to produce realities 4: a more or less definite amount or quantity [cooks in a __ of minutes] 5: something written or printed 6: MAIL 7 Christian Science; the illusion that the objects perceived by the physical senses have the reality of substance -For that matter: So far as that is concerned --No matter: Without regard to: irrespective of [points in the same direction no matter how it is tilted] -The matter: Wrong [nothing's the matter with me]
2 Matter vi [1530] 1: to form or discharge pus: Suppurate [--ing wound 2: to be of importance: signify
Matter of course [1739]: Something that is to be expected as a natural or logical consequence
Matter-of-fact adj [1712]: Adhering to the unembellished facts; also: being plain, straightforward, or unemotional
[Merriam-Webster's Collegiate Dictionary, 10th Edition. Springfield, MA, USA: Merriam-Webster, Inc. 1995.]
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