adjective

1. of matter; of substance; relating to or consisting of what occupies space; physical a material object, material forces
2. 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
3. important, essential, or pertinent (to the matter under discussion)
4. Law important enough to affect the outcome of a case, the validity of a legal instrument, etc. a material witness
5. Philos. of the content or substance of reasoning, as distinguished from the formal element

Etymology: LL materialis < L materia, matter

noun

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