matter

mat-ter · noun

imported

Definitions

noun

  1. 1.

    Physical substance in general, as distinct from mind and spirit.

  2. 2.

    A subject or situation under consideration; an affair or topic.

  3. 3.

    A problem or difficulty.

  4. 4.

    Written or printed material.

  5. 5.

    Pus or discharge from an infected wound.

  6. 6.

    To be of importance or significance.

Forms

plural: matters

Related words

Antonyms: nothing, triviality
See also: issue, problem, substance
Synonyms: issue, subject, substance

Etymology

From Anglo-French "matere," from Latin "materia" meaning "substance, stuff, wood, timber." Originally referred to the substance of which things are made, later extended to mean "subject of thought or discourse."