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material

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The definition of material refers to a physical object, as opposed to something spiritual or mental, or something that is essential and relevant.

(adjective)

An example of material is an interest in the physical space around you.
An example of material is the most important point in an argument.

Material is defined as the physical components of something, to relevant facts, to jokes or items that are part of a performers routine, or to the things required to build something or accomplish a task.

(noun)

An example of material is the fabric from which something is made.
An example of material are the facts used in a book.
An example of material are the jokes a comedian tells.
An example of material is the wood used to build something.

See material in Webster's New World College Dictionary

adjective

of matter; of substance; relating to or consisting of what occupies space; physical: a material object, material forces
1. of the body or bodily needs, satisfactions, etc.; corporeal, sensual, or sensuous: material pleasures
2. of or fond of comfort, pleasure, wealth, etc. rather than spiritual or intellectual values; worldly: material success
important, essential, or pertinent (to the matter under discussion)
Law important enough to affect the outcome of a case, the validity of a legal instrument, etc.: a material witness
Philos. of the content or substance of reasoning, as distinguished from the formal element

Origin: LL materialis < L materia, matter

noun

what a thing is, or may be, made of; constituent substance; elements, parts, or constituents: raw material
ideas, notes, sketches, etc., that may be worked up or elaborated; data
cloth or other fabric
implements, articles, etc. needed to make or do something: writing materials

See material in American Heritage Dictionary 4

noun

The substance or substances out of which a thing is or can be made.
Something, such as an idea or information, that is to be refined and made or incorporated into a finished effort: material for a comedy.
materials Tools or apparatus for the performance of a given task: writing materials.
Yard goods or cloth.
A person who is qualified or suited for a position or activity: The members of the board felt that she was vice-presidential material.

adjective

Of, relating to, or composed of matter.
Of, relating to, or affecting physical well-being; bodily: “the moral and material welfare of all good citizens” (Theodore Roosevelt).
Of or concerned with the physical as distinct from the intellectual or spiritual: “Great men are they who see that spiritual is stronger than any material force, that thoughts rule the world” (Ralph Waldo Emerson).
Being both relevant and consequential; crucial: testimony material to the inquiry. See Synonyms at relevant.
Philosophy Of or relating to the matter of reasoning, rather than the form.

Origin:

Origin: Middle English, consisting of matter, material

Origin: , from Old French

Origin: , from Late Latin māteriālis

Origin: , from Latin māteria, matter; see māter- in Indo-European roots

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