SKIP TO CONTENT

material

/məˈtɪriəl/

/məˈtɪəriəl/

Other forms: materials

Material is cloth from which clothes, curtains, or similar items can be created. If you sew your own bathing suit, it's important to make sure the material you use doesn't turn transparent when it gets wet.

The noun material can also refer to the items or substances used to create something. If you want to build a swing set, you'll need to buy materials like treated lumber, bolts, and screws. You can also use the adjective material to describe something that is worldly rather than spiritual. If you join that religious order, you are supposed to give up your material goods — even your convertible.

Definitions of material
  1. noun
    the tangible substance that goes into the makeup of a physical object
    “coal is a hard black material
    synonyms: stuff
    see moresee less
    types:
    show 376 types...
    hide 376 types...
    ballast
    any heavy material used to stabilize a ship or airship
    bedding, bedding material, litter
    material used to provide a bed for animals
    rind
    the natural outer covering of food (usually removed before eating)
    precursor
    a substance from which another substance is formed (especially by a metabolic reaction)
    atom, corpuscle, molecule, mote, particle, speck
    (nontechnical usage) a tiny piece of anything
    ammunition
    any nuclear or chemical or biological material that can be used as a weapon of mass destruction
    floc, floccule
    a small loosely aggregated mass of flocculent material suspended in or precipitated from a liquid
    HAZMAT
    an abbreviation for `hazardous material' used on warning signs
    aggregate
    material such as sand or gravel used with cement and water to make concrete, mortar, or plaster
    raw material, staple
    material suitable for manufacture or use or finishing
    sorbate
    a material that has been or is capable of being taken up by another substance by either absorption or adsorption
    sorbent, sorbent material
    a material that sorbs another substance; i.e. that has the capacity or tendency to take it up by either absorption or adsorption
    diamagnet
    a substance that exhibits diamagnetism
    mineral
    solid homogeneous inorganic substances occurring in nature having a definite chemical composition
    rock, stone
    material consisting of the aggregate of minerals like those making up the Earth's crust
    adhesive, adhesive agent, adhesive material
    a substance that unites or bonds surfaces together
    sealing material
    any substance used to seal joints or fill cracks in a porous surface
    animal material
    material derived from animals
    fluff
    any light downy material
    bimetal
    material made by bonding together sheets of two different metals
    abradant, abrasive, abrasive material
    a substance that abrades or wears down
    chemical, chemical substance
    material produced by or used in a reaction involving changes in atoms or molecules
    composite material
    strong lightweight material developed in the laboratory; fibers of more than one kind are bonded together chemically
    conductor
    a substance that readily conducts e.g. electricity and heat
    dielectric, insulator, nonconductor
    a material such as glass or porcelain with negligible electrical or thermal conductivity
    contaminant, contamination
    a substance that contaminates
    particulate, particulate matter
    a small discrete mass of solid or liquid matter that remains individually dispersed in gas or liquid emissions (usually considered to be an atmospheric pollutant)
    dust
    free microscopic particles of solid material
    elastomer
    any of various elastic materials that resemble rubber (resumes its original shape when a deforming force is removed)
    earth, ground
    the loose soft material that makes up a large part of the land surface
    discharge, emission
    a substance that is emitted or released
    detritus
    loose material (stone fragments and silt etc) that is worn away from rocks
    waste, waste material, waste matter, waste product
    any materials unused and rejected as worthless or unwanted
    fiber, fibre
    a slender and greatly elongated substance capable of being spun into yarn
    fill, filling
    any material that fills a space or container
    foam
    a lightweight material in cellular form; made by introducing gas bubbles during manufacture
    homogenate
    material that has been homogenized (especially tissue that has been ground and mixed)
    humate
    material that is high in humic acids
    impregnation
    material with which something is impregnated
    paper
    a material made of cellulose pulp derived mainly from wood or rags or certain grasses
    packing, packing material, wadding
    any material used especially to protect something
    color, coloring material, colour, colouring material
    any material used for its color
    plant material, plant substance
    material derived from plants
    radioactive material
    material that is radioactive
    thickener, thickening
    any material used to thicken
    toner
    a black or colored powder used in a printer to develop a xerographic image
    translucent substance, transparent substance
    a material having the property of admitting light diffusely; a partly transparent material
    undercut
    the material removed by a cut made underneath
    builder, detergent builder
    a substance added to soaps or detergents to increase their cleansing action
    vernix, vernix caseosa
    a white cheeselike protective material that covers the skin of a fetus
    wad
    a small mass of soft material
    feather, plumage, plume
    the light horny waterproof structure forming the external covering of birds
    beard, byssus
    tuft of strong filaments by which e.g. a mussel makes itself fast to a fixed surface
    bristle
    a stiff fiber (coarse hair or filament); natural or synthetic
    bushing
    an insulating liner in an opening through which conductors pass
    card
    one of a set of small pieces of stiff paper marked in various ways and used for playing games or for telling fortunes
    confetti
    small pieces or streamers of colored paper that are thrown around on festive occasions (as at a wedding)
    explosive
    a chemical substance that undergoes a rapid chemical change (with the production of gas) on being heated or struck
    glass fiber, glass fibre, optical fiber, optical fibre
    a very thin fiber made of glass that functions as a waveguide for light; used in bundles to transmit images
    paint, pigment
    a substance used as a coating to protect or decorate a surface (especially a mixture of pigment suspended in a liquid); dries to form a hard coating
    nerve fiber, nerve fibre
    a threadlike extension of a nerve cell
    spindle
    (biology) tiny fibers that are seen in cell division; the fibers radiate from two poles and meet at the equator in the middle
    piece of paper, sheet, sheet of paper
    paper used for writing or printing
    bacon rind
    the rind of bacon
    peel, skin
    the rind of a fruit or vegetable
    cheese rind
    the rind of a cheese
    grain
    a relatively small granular particle of a substance
    grinding
    material resulting from the process of grinding
    interplanetary dust
    microscopic particles in the interplanetary medium
    moraine
    accumulated earth and stones deposited by a glacier
    loofa, loofah, loufah sponge, luffa
    the dried fibrous part of the fruit of a plant of the genus Luffa; used as a washing sponge or strainer
    Cebu maguey, cantala, manila maguey
    hard fiber used in making coarse twine; from Philippine agave plants
    bassine
    coarse leaf fiber from palmyra palms used in making brushes and brooms
    coir
    stiff coarse fiber from the outer husk of a coconut
    raffia
    fiber of a raffia palm used as light cordage and in making hats and baskets
    dross, impurity
    worthless or dangerous material that should be removed
    Styrofoam
    a light resilient foam of polystyrene
    feedstock
    the raw material that is required for some industrial process
    absorbent, absorbent material
    a material having capacity or tendency to absorb another substance
    absorbate
    a material that has been or is capable of being absorbed
    adsorbent, adsorbent material
    a material having capacity or tendency to adsorb another substance
    adsorbate
    a material that has been or is capable of being adsorbed
    Cu, atomic number 29, copper
    a ductile malleable reddish-brown corrosion-resistant diamagnetic metallic element; occurs in various minerals but is the only metal that occurs abundantly in large masses; used as an electrical and thermal conductor
    Ag, atomic number 47, silver
    a soft white precious univalent metallic element having the highest electrical and thermal conductivity of any metal; occurs in argentite and in free form; used in coins and jewelry and tableware and photography
    ader wax, earth wax, mineral wax, ozocerite, ozokerite
    a waxy mineral that is a mixture of hydrocarbons and occurs in association with petroleum; some varieties are used in making ceresin and candles
    amblygonite
    a white or grey mineral consisting of lithium aluminum phosphate; a source of lithium
    amphibole
    a mineral or mineral variety belonging to the amphibole group
    amphibole group
    a group of minerals with similar crystal structures containing a silicate chain and combinations of chiefly sodium and calcium and magnesium and iron and aluminum
    apatite
    a common complex mineral consisting of calcium fluoride phosphate or calcium chloride phosphate; a source of phosphorus
    aragonite
    a mineral form of crystalline calcium carbonate; dimorphic with calcite
    argentite
    a valuable silver ore consisting of silver sulfide (Ag2S)
    argyrodite
    a rare steel-grey mineral consisting of silver and germanium and sulfur
    arsenopyrite, mispickel
    a silver-white or grey ore of arsenic
    asphalt, mineral pitch
    a dark bituminous substance found in natural beds and as residue from petroleum distillation; consists mainly of hydrocarbons
    augite
    dark-green to black glassy mineral of the pyroxene group containing large amounts of aluminum and iron and magnesium
    baddeleyite
    a mineral consisting of zirconium oxide
    bastnaesite, bastnasite
    a yellow-to-brown mineral that is a source of rare earth elements
    bauxite
    a clay-like mineral; the chief ore of aluminum; composed of aluminum oxides and aluminum hydroxides; used as an abrasive and catalyst
    beryl
    the chief source of beryllium; colored transparent varieties are valued as gems
    borax
    an ore of boron consisting of hydrated sodium borate; used as a flux or cleansing agent
    bornite, peacock ore
    a mineral consisting of sulfides of copper and iron that is found in copper deposits
    carnallite
    a white or reddish mineral consisting of hydrous chlorides of potassium and magnesium; used as a fertilizer and as a source of potassium and magnesium
    cassiterite
    a hard heavy dark mineral that is the chief source of tin
    celestite
    a mineral consisting of strontium sulphate
    cerussite, white lead ore
    a mineral consisting of lead carbonate that is an important source of lead
    chalcocite, copper glance
    a heavy grey mineral that is an ore of copper
    chalcopyrite, copper pyrites
    a yellow copper ore (CuFeS2) made up of copper and iron sulfide
    chlorite
    a generally green or black mineral; it occurs as a constituent of many rocks typically in the form of a flat crystal
    chromite
    a brownish-black mineral; the major source of chromium
    chrysoberyl
    a rare hard yellow green mineral consisting of beryllium aluminate in crystal form; used as a gemstone
    cinnabar
    a heavy reddish mineral consisting of mercuric sulfide; the chief source of mercury
    cobaltite
    a rare silvery-white mineral; important ore of cobalt
    halite, rock salt
    naturally occurring crystalline sodium chloride
    coltan, columbite-tantalite
    a valuable black mineral combining niobite and tantalite; used in cell phones and computer chips
    cordierite
    a blue mineral of magnesium and iron and aluminum and silicon and oxygen; often used as a gemstone
    corundom, corundum
    very hard mineral used as an abrasive
    cristobalite
    a white mineral consisting of silica; found in volcanic rocks
    crocolite
    a rare lead chromite mineral that forms bright orange crystals
    Greenland spar, cryolite
    a white mineral consisting of fluorides of aluminum and sodium; a source of fluorine
    cuprite
    a mineral consisting of cuprous oxide that is a source of copper
    cutin
    (biochemistry) a waxy transparent material that occurs in the cuticle of plants and consists of highly polymerized esters of fatty acids
    bitter spar, dolomite
    a light colored mineral consisting of calcium magnesium carbonate; a source of magnesium; used as a ceramic and as fertilizer
    earth color
    a colored mineral used as a pigment
    emery
    a hard grey-black mineral consisting of corundum and either hematite or magnetite; used as an abrasive (especially as a coating on paper)
    cobalt bloom, erythrite
    a reddish mineral consisting of hydrated cobalt arsenate in monoclinic crystalline form and used in coloring glass; usually found in veins bearing cobalt and arsenic
    fergusonite
    a dark mineral consisting of oxides of yttrium and erbium and tantalum and other minerals
    fluor, fluorite, fluorspar
    a soft mineral (calcium fluoride) that is fluorescent in ultraviolet light; chief source of fluorine
    gadolinite, ytterbite
    a mineral that is a source of rare earths; consists of silicates of iron and beryllium and cerium and yttrium and erbium
    galena
    soft blue-grey mineral; lead sulfide; a major source of lead
    garnet
    any of a group of hard glassy minerals (silicates of various metals) used as gemstones and as an abrasive
    garnierite
    a green mineral consisting of hydrated nickel magnesium silicate; a source of nickel
    germanite
    a rare reddish-grey mineral consisting of a copper iron germanium sulfide
    gibbsite
    white crystalline mineral consisting of aluminum hydroxide; a constituent of bauxite and a source of alumina
    glauconite
    a green mineral consisting of hydrated silicate of potassium or iron or magnesium or aluminum; found in greensand
    cadmium sulphide, greenockite
    ore of cadmium; a rare yellowish mineral consisting of cadmium sulphide in crystalline form
    gypsum
    a common white or colorless mineral (hydrated calcium sulphate) used to make cements and plasters (especially plaster of Paris)
    hausmannite
    a mineral consisting of manganese tetroxide; a source of manganese
    barite, barium sulphate, barytes, heavy spar
    a white or colorless mineral (BaSO4); the main source of barium
    calamine, hemimorphite
    a white mineral; a common ore of zinc
    ilmenite
    a weakly magnetic black mineral found in metamorphic and plutonic rocks; an iron titanium oxide in crystalline form; a source of titanium
    jadeite
    a hard green mineral consisting of sodium aluminum silicate in monoclinic crystalline form; a source of jade; found principally in Burma
    kainite
    a white mineral consisting of magnesium sulphate and potassium chloride; a source of potassium salts; used as a fertilizer
    kaolinite
    a mineral consisting of aluminum silicate; main source of kaolin
    kernite
    a light soft mineral consisting of hydrated sodium borate in crystalline form; an important source of boron
    kieserite
    a white mineral consisting of hydrous magnesium sulfate often found in salt mines
    cyanite, kyanite
    a grey or greenish-blue mineral consisting of aluminum silicate in crystalline form; occurs in metaphoric rock, used as a refractory
    langbeinite
    a mineral consisting of potassium magnesium double sulphate; used as a fertilizer
    magnesite
    a white mineral consisting of magnesium carbonate; a source of magnesium
    malachite
    a green or blue mineral used as an ore of copper and for making ornamental objects
    maltha, mineral tar
    a thick black tar intermediate between petroleum and asphalt
    manganite
    a black mineral consisting of basic manganese oxide; a source of manganese
    meerschaum, sepiolite
    a white clayey mineral
    isinglass, mica
    any of various minerals consisting of hydrous silicates of aluminum or potassium etc. that crystallize in forms that allow perfect cleavage into very thin leaves; used as dielectrics because of their resistance to electricity
    millerite
    a yellow mineral consisting of nickel sulfide; a minor source of nickel
    molybdenite
    a mineral resembling graphite that is valued as the chief source of molybdenum and its compounds
    monazite
    a reddish-brown mineral containing rare earth metals; an important source of thorium and cerium
    nepheline, nephelite
    a whitish mineral consisting of sodium aluminum silicate or potassium aluminum silicate in crystalline form; used in the manufacture of ceramics and enamels
    nephelinite
    an igneous rock consisting of nepheline and pyroxene
    columbite, niobite
    a black mineral that is an ore of niobium and tantalum
    nitrocalcite
    the mineral form of calcium nitrate
    olivine
    a mineral consisting of magnesium iron silicate; a source of magnesium
    olivenite
    rare green to black mineral consisting of hydrated copper arsenate that is found in copper deposits
    opal
    a translucent mineral consisting of hydrated silica of variable color; some varieties are used as gemstones
    ore
    a mineral that contains metal that is valuable enough to be mined
    orpiment
    a yellow mineral occurring in conjunction with realgar; an ore of arsenic
    iridosmine, osmiridium
    a hard and corrosion resistant mineral that is a natural alloy of osmium and iridium (usually containing small amounts of rhodium and platinum); used in needles and pen nibs etc.
    peat
    partially carbonized vegetable matter saturated with water; can be used as a fuel when dried
    pentlandite
    a mineral (iron and nickel sulphide) that is the chief ore of nickel
    magnesia, magnesium oxide, periclase
    a white solid mineral that occurs naturally as periclase; a source of magnesium
    pinite
    grey or green or brown mineral similar to mica and containing aluminum and potassium sulphates
    pollucite
    a rare mineral that is an important source of cesium
    psilomelane
    a mineral consisting of hydrated basic oxide of manganese and barium; a source of manganese
    fool's gold, iron pyrite, pyrite
    a common mineral (iron disulfide) that has a pale yellow color
    pyrolusite
    a mineral consisting of manganese dioxide; an important source of manganese
    green lead ore, pyromorphite
    a mineral consisting of lead chloride and phosphate; a minor source of lead
    pyrophyllite
    a white or greenish aluminum silicate mineral (resembles talc)
    pyroxene
    any of a group of crystalline silicate mineral common in igneous and metamorphic rocks
    magnetic pyrites, pyrrhotine, pyrrhotite
    a brownish iron sulfide mineral (FeS) having weak magnetic properties
    quartz
    a hard glossy mineral consisting of silicon dioxide in crystal form; present in most rocks (especially sandstone and granite); yellow sand is quartz with iron oxide impurities
    quartzite
    hard metamorphic rock consisting essentially of interlocking quartz crystals
    reactant
    a chemical substance that is present at the start of a chemical reaction
    realgar
    a rare soft orange mineral consisting of arsenic sulphide; an important ore of arsenic
    red clay
    clay whose redness results from iron oxide
    rhodochrosite
    a mineral consisting of manganese carbonate; a source of manganese
    rhodonite
    a pink or red mineral consisting of crystalline manganese silicate; used as an ornamental stone
    road metal
    broken rock used for repairing or making roads
    sedimentary rock
    rock formed from consolidated clay sediments
    sial
    the granitelike rocks that form the outermost layer of the earth's crust; rich in silicon and aluminum
    sima
    rock that form the continuous lower layer of the earth's crust; rich in silicon and magnesium
    metamorphic rock
    rock altered by pressure and heat
    crushed rock, gravel
    rock fragments and pebbles
    caliche
    nitrate-bearing rock or gravel of the sodium nitrate deposits of Chile and Peru
    shingling
    (geology) sediment in which flat pebbles are uniformly tilted in the same direction
    pumice, pumice stone
    a porous rock formed on the surface of some lavas
    animal product
    a product made from animal material
    birdlime, lime
    a sticky adhesive that is smeared on small branches to capture small birds
    spirit gum
    an adhesive solution made of gum and ether and used to attach false hair to skin
    binder
    something used to bind separate particles together or facilitate adhesion to a surface
    cement
    something that hardens to act as adhesive material
    library paste, paste
    an adhesive made from water and flour or starch; used on paper and paperboard
    rubber cement
    an adhesive made by dissolving unvulcanized rubber in a solvent like benzene or naphtha
    sealant, sealer
    a kind of sealing material that is used to form a hard coating on a porous surface (as a coat of paint or varnish used to size a surface)
    filler
    used for filling cracks or holes in a surface
    lute, luting
    a substance for packing a joint or coating a porous surface to make it impervious to gas or liquid
    Alar, daminozide
    a chemical sprayed on fruit trees to regulate their growth so the entire crop can be harvested at one time
    aphanite
    fine-grained homogeneous rock (such as basalt) containing minerals undetectable by the naked eye
    carrier
    an inactive substance that is a vehicle for a radioactive tracer of the same substance and that assists in its recovery after some chemical reaction
    animal oil
    any oil obtained from animal substances
    dentin, dentine
    a calcareous material harder and denser than bone that comprises the bulk of a tooth
    bone, osseous tissue
    the porous calcified substance from which bones are made
    horn
    the material (mostly keratin) that covers the horns of ungulates and forms hooves and claws and nails
    shell
    the material that forms the hard outer covering of many animals
    art paper
    a high-quality paper (usually having a filler of china clay)
    mineral wool, rock wool
    a light fibrous material used as an insulator
    bacteriacide, bactericide
    any chemical agent that destroys bacteria
    blotter, blotting paper
    absorbent paper used to dry ink
    blueprint paper
    sensitized paper used to make blueprints
    animal fat
    any fat obtained from animals
    carbon, carbon paper
    a thin paper coated on one side with a dark waxy substance (often containing carbon); used to transfer characters from the original to an under sheet of paper
    carbon tetrahalide
    compounds composed of 1 carbon and 4 halogen molecules
    carborundum
    an abrasive composed of silicon carbide crystals
    cardboard, composition board
    a stiff moderately thick paper
    cartridge paper
    paper for making cartridge cases
    congener
    a minor chemical constituent that gives a wine or liquor its distinctive character
    steel wool, wire wool
    a mass of woven steel fibers used as an abrasive
    cement
    any of various materials used by dentists to fill cavities in teeth
    chad
    a small piece of paper that is supposed to be removed when a hole is punched in a card or paper tape
    chaff, husk, shuck, stalk, straw, stubble
    material consisting of seed coverings and small pieces of stem or leaves that have been separated from the seeds
    chylomicron
    a microscopic particle of triglycerides produced in the intestines during digestion; in the bloodstream they release their fatty acids into the blood
    claystone
    fine-grained rock consisting of compacted clay particles
    brown coal, lignite, wood coal
    intermediate between peat and bituminous coal
    chemical compound, compound
    (chemistry) a substance formed by chemical union of two or more elements or ingredients in definite proportion by weight
    computer paper
    paper folded to permit continuous printing controlled by a computer
    construction paper
    paper suitable for drawing and making cutouts
    semiconducting material, semiconductor
    a substance as germanium or silicon whose electrical conductivity is intermediate between that of a metal and an insulator; its conductivity increases with temperature and in the presence of impurities
    glass wool
    glass fibers spun and massed into bundles resembling wool
    cork
    outer bark of the cork oak; used for stoppers for bottles etc.
    crepe, crepe paper
    paper with a crinkled texture; usually colored and used for decorations
    exhaust, exhaust fumes, fumes
    gases ejected from an engine as waste products
    dolomite
    a kind of sedimentary rock resembling marble or limestone but rich in magnesium carbonate
    drawing paper
    paper that is specially prepared for use in drafting
    dust
    fine powdery material such as dry earth or pollen that can be blown about in the air
    diatomaceous earth, diatomite, kieselguhr
    a light soil consisting of siliceous diatom remains and often used as a filtering material
    saprolite
    a deposit of clay and disintegrating rock that is found in its original place
    dirt, soil
    the part of the earth's surface consisting of humus and disintegrated rock
    soil conditioner
    a chemical substance used to improve the structure of the soil and increase its porosity
    emery cloth
    cloth covered with powdered emery
    emery paper, sandpaper
    stiff paper coated with powdered emery or sand
    emery rock, emery stone
    a mixture of emery dust and a binder; can be molded into grindstones
    exudate, exudation
    a substance that oozes out from plant pores
    transudate, transudation
    a substance that transudes
    effluvium
    a foul-smelling outflow or vapor (especially a gaseous waste)
    rheum
    a watery discharge from the mucous membranes (especially from the eyes or nose)
    vaginal discharge
    discharge of secretions from the cervical glands of the vagina; normally clear or white
    body waste, excrement, excreta, excretion, excretory product
    waste matter (as urine or sweat but especially feces) discharged from the body
    crud, filth, skank
    any substance considered disgustingly foul or unpleasant
    sewage, sewerage
    waste matter carried away in sewers or drains
    effluent, sewer water, wastewater
    water mixed with waste matter
    food waste, garbage, refuse, scraps
    food that is discarded (as from a kitchen)
    pollutant
    waste matter that contaminates the water or air or soil
    garbage, refuse, rubbish, scrap, trash
    worthless material that is to be disposed of
    slop
    (usually plural) waste water from a kitchen or bathroom or chamber pot that has to be emptied by hand
    toxic industrial waste, toxic waste
    poisonous waste materials; can cause injury (especially by chemical means)
    fertiliser, fertilizer, plant food
    any substance such as manure or a mixture of nitrates used to make soil more fertile
    flux
    a substance added to molten metals to bond with impurities that can then be readily removed
    conglomerate, pudding stone
    a composite rock made up of particles of varying size
    string
    a tough piece of fiber in vegetables, meat, or other food (especially the tough fibers connecting the two halves of a bean pod)
    fibril, filament, strand
    a very slender natural or synthetic fiber
    fieldstone
    stone that occurs naturally in fields; often used as building material
    filter paper
    a porous unsized paper used for filtering
    flyspeck
    a tiny dark speck made by the excrement of a fly
    flypaper
    paper that is poisoned or coated with a sticky substance to kill flies
    foam rubber
    spongy rubber; made by introducing air bubbles before vulcanization and used for cushioning or upholstery
    fumigant
    a chemical substance used in fumigation
    graph paper
    paper that has lines to permit drawing graphs
    greaseproof paper
    paper that is impermeable to oil or grease; used in cooking
    greisen
    a granitic rock composed of quartz and mica
    herbicide, weed killer, weedkiller
    a chemical agent that destroys plants or inhibits their growth
    hyalin, hyaline
    a glassy translucent substance that occurs in hyaline cartilage or in certain skin conditions
    identification particle
    a tiny particle of material that can be added to a product to indicate the source of manufacture
    indicator
    (chemistry) a substance that changes color to indicate the presence of some ion or substance; can be used to indicate the completion of a chemical reaction or (in medicine) to test for a particular reaction
    intermediate
    a substance formed during a chemical process before the desired product is obtained
    fraction
    a component of a mixture that has been separated by a fractional process
    larvicide
    a chemical used to kill larval pests
    calc-tufa, tufa
    a soft porous rock consisting of calcium carbonate deposited from springs rich in lime
    magma
    molten rock in the earth's crust
    igneous rock
    rock formed by the solidification of molten magma
    linen, linen paper
    a high-quality paper made of linen fibers or with a linen finish
    limestone
    a sedimentary rock consisting mainly of calcium that was deposited by the remains of marine animals
    lint
    fine ravellings of cotton or linen fibers
    litmus paper
    unsized paper treated with litmus for use as an acid-base indicator
    manifold, manifold paper
    a lightweight paper used with carbon paper to make multiple copies
    manila, manila paper, manilla, manilla paper
    a strong paper or thin cardboard with a smooth light brown finish made from e.g. Manila hemp
    marble
    a hard crystalline metamorphic rock that takes a high polish; used for sculpture and as building material
    matrix
    (geology) amass of fine-grained rock in which fossils, crystals, or gems are embedded
    mordant
    a substance used to treat leather or other materials before dyeing; aids in dyeing process
    music paper, score paper
    paper with lines appropriate for writing music
    man-made fiber, synthetic fiber
    fiber created from natural materials or by chemical processes
    natural fiber, natural fibre
    fiber derived from plants or animals
    newspaper, newsprint
    cheap paper made from wood pulp and used for printing newspapers
    oakum
    loose hemp or jute fiber obtained by unravelling old ropes; when impregnated with tar it was used to caulk seams and pack joints in wooden ships
    oilpaper
    paper that has been made translucent and waterproof by soaking in oil
    india paper
    a thin tough opaque paper used in fine books
    pad, pad of paper, tablet
    a number of sheets of paper fastened together along one edge
    paper tape
    a long narrow strip of paper
    paper toweling
    absorbent paper used as toweling
    paper-mache, papier-mache
    a substance made from paper pulp that can be molded when wet and painted when dry
    papyrus
    paper made from the papyrus plant by cutting it in strips and pressing it flat; used by ancient Egyptians and Greeks and Romans
    parchment
    a superior paper resembling sheepskin
    rice paper
    a thin delicate material resembling paper; made from the rice-paper tree
    roofing paper, tar paper
    a heavy paper impregnated with tar and used as part of a roof for waterproofing
    ticker tape
    a continuous thin ribbon of paper on which stock quotes are written
    excelsior, wood shavings
    thin curly wood shavings used for packing or stuffing
    pesticide
    a chemical used to kill pests (as rodents or insects)
    phytochemical
    a chemical substance obtained from plants that is biologically active but not nutritive
    dye, dyestuff
    a usually soluble substance for staining or coloring e.g. fabrics or hair
    tincture
    a substance that colors metals
    hematochrome
    a reddish coloring material found in some algae
    pigment
    dry coloring material (especially a powder to be mixed with a liquid to produce paint, etc.)
    pigment
    any substance whose presence in plant or animal tissues produces a characteristic color
    plant product
    a product made from plant material
    product
    a chemical substance formed as a result of a chemical reaction
    radioactive waste
    useless radioactive materials that are left after some laboratory or commercial process is completed
    raveling, ravelling
    a bit of fiber that has become separated from woven fabric
    restrainer
    a chemical that is added to a photographic developer in order to retard development and reduce the amount of fog on a film
    rutile
    a mineral consisting of titanium dioxide in crystalline form; occurs in metamorphic and plutonic rocks and is a major source of titanium
    samarskite
    a complex black mineral occurring in pegmatites
    sapphirine
    a rare light blue or green mineral; consists of aluminum and magnesium silicate and occurs as small grains in some metamorphic rocks
    scheelite
    a mineral used as an ore of tungsten
    humic shale
    shale that is rich in humic acids
    smaltite
    a grey mineral consisting of cobalt arsenide and nickel; an important source of cobalt and nickel
    sodalite
    a vitreous mineral consisting of sodium aluminum silicate and sodium chloride in crystalline form; occurs in igneous rocks
    sodium pyrophosphate, tetrasodium pyrophosphate
    a sodium salt of pyrophosphoric acid used as a builder in soaps and detergents
    sodium tripolyphosphate
    a sodium salt of triphosphoric acid used as a builder in soaps and detergents
    spar
    any of various nonmetallic minerals (calcite or feldspar) that are light in color and transparent or translucent and cleavable
    spinel
    a hard glassy mineral consisting of an oxide of magnesium and aluminum; occurs in various colors that are used as gemstones
    spodumene
    a pyroxene mineral consisting of lithium aluminum silicate; a source of lithium
    stabilizer
    a chemical that is added to a solution or mixture or suspension to maintain it in a stable or unchanging state
    stain
    (microscopy) a dye or other coloring material that is used in microscopy to make structures visible
    stannite, tin pyrites
    a dark grey mineral with a metallic luster that is a source of tin
    softener
    a substance added to another to make it less hard
    stibnite
    a soft grey mineral; the chief ore of antimony
    strontianite
    a mineral consisting of strontium carbonate
    vegetable tallow
    a waxy fat obtained from certain plants (e.g. bayberry) and used as tallow
    graphic tellurium, sylvanite
    a silver-white mineral consisting of silver gold telluride; a source of gold in Australia and America
    sylvine, sylvite
    a mineral consisting of native potassium chloride; an important ore of potassium that is found in sedimentary beds
    talc, talcum
    a fine grained mineral having a soft soapy feel and consisting of hydrated magnesium silicate; used in a variety of products including talcum powder
    tantalite
    a mineral consisting of tantalum oxide of iron and manganese that occurs with niobite or in coarse granite; an ore of tantalum
    thorite
    a radioactive mineral consisting of thorium silicate; it is a source of thorium that is found in coarse granite
    thortveitite
    a mineral consisting of scandium yttrium silicate; a source of scandium
    tissue, tissue paper
    a soft thin (usually translucent) paper
    topaz
    a mineral (fluosilicate of aluminum) that occurs in crystals of various colors and is used as a gemstone
    tourmaline
    a mineral that is a complex borosilicate and hydroxide of aluminum containing iron and magnesium and calcium and lithium and sodium; it is usually black but occurs in transparent colored forms that are used as gemstones
    tracing paper
    a semitransparent paper that is used for tracing drawings
    transfer paper
    a paper that is coated with a preparation for transferring a design to another surface
    tridymite
    a mineral form of silica
    tribasic sodium phosphate, trisodium orthophosphate, trisodium phosphate
    the tertiary phosphate of sodium used as a builder in soaps and detergents
    turquoise
    a blue to grey green mineral consisting of copper aluminum phosphate
    vanadinite
    a mineral consisting of chloride and vanadate of lead; a source of vanadium
    vermiculite
    any of a group of yellow or brown hydrous silicate minerals having a micaceous structure
    idocrase, vesuvian, vesuvianite
    a green or yellow or brown mineral consisting of a hydrated silicate; it occurs as crystals in limestone and is used a gemstone
    wallpaper
    a decorative paper for the walls of rooms
    waste paper
    paper discarded after use
    wax paper
    paper that has been waterproofed by treatment with wax or paraffin
    wood
    the hard fibrous lignified substance under the bark of trees
    iron manganese tungsten, wolframite
    a mineral consisting of iron and manganese tungstate in crystalline form; the principal ore of tungsten; found in quartz veins associated with granitic rocks
    wollastonite
    a white or greyish mineral typically found in metamorphic limestone; a silicate of calcium
    wrapping paper
    a tough paper used for wrapping
    writing paper
    paper material made into thin sheets that are sized to take ink; used for writing correspondence and manuscripts
    wulfenite
    a yellow to orange or brown mineral used as a molybdenum ore
    wurtzite
    a brownish-black mineral consisting of zinc sulfide
    xenotime
    a brown-to-yellow mineral that is a phosphate of yttrium in crystalline form
    zeolite
    any of a family of glassy minerals analogous to feldspar containing hydrated aluminum silicates of calcium or sodium or potassium; formed in cavities in lava flows and in plutonic rocks
    blende, sphalerite, zinc blende
    an ore that is the chief source of zinc; consists largely of zinc sulfide in crystalline form
    zinkenite
    a steel grey metallic mineral (a sulphide of lead and antimony)
    zircon, zirconium silicate
    a common mineral occurring in small crystals; chief source of zirconium; used as a refractory when opaque and as a gem when transparent
    type of:
    substance
    the real physical matter of which a person or thing consists
  2. noun
    things needed for doing or making something
    “writing materials
    “useful teaching materials
    see moresee less
    types:
    show 4 types...
    hide 4 types...
    packaging
    material used to make packages
    railing
    material for making rails or rails collectively
    roofing
    material used to construct a roof
    blister pack, bubble pack
    packaging in which a product is sealed between a cardboard backing and clear plastic cover
    type of:
    equipment
    an instrumentality needed for an undertaking or to perform a service
  3. adjective
    having material or physical form or substance
    synonyms: corporeal
    bodied
    having a body or a body of a specified kind; often used in combination
    bodily
    having or relating to a physical material body
    bodied, corporal, corporate, embodied, incarnate
    possessing or existing in bodily form
    reincarnate
    having a new body
    see moresee less
    Antonyms:
    immaterial, incorporeal
    without material form or substance
    unbodied
    having no body
    bodiless, discorporate, disembodied, unbodied, unembodied
    not having a material body
    spiritual
    lacking material body or form or substance
    show more antonyms...
  4. adjective
    derived from or composed of matter
    “the material universe”
    Synonyms:
    real, substantial
    having substance or capable of being treated as fact; not imaginary
    physical
    having substance or material existence; perceptible to the senses
    physical
    concerned with material things
    see moresee less
    Antonyms:
    immaterial, nonmaterial
    not consisting of matter
    insubstantial, unreal, unsubstantial
    lacking material form or substance; unreal
    intangible, nonphysical
    lacking substance or reality; incapable of being touched or seen
    show more antonyms...
  5. noun
    information (data or ideas or observations) that can be used or reworked into a finished form
    “the archives provided rich material for a definitive biography”
    see moresee less
    types:
    rehash
    old material that is slightly reworked and used again
    copy
    material suitable for a journalistic account
    type of:
    info, information
    a message received and understood
  6. adjective
    having substance or capable of being treated as fact; not imaginary
    synonyms: real, substantial
    see moresee less
    Antonyms:
    insubstantial, unreal, unsubstantial
    lacking material form or substance; unreal
    aerial, aeriform, aery, airy, ethereal
    characterized by lightness and insubstantiality; as impalpable or intangible as air
    shadowy, wraithlike
    lacking in substance
    stringy
    consisting of or containing string or strings
    immaterial, nonmaterial
    not consisting of matter
    show more antonyms...
  7. adjective
    directly relevant to a matter especially a law case
    “his support made a material difference”
    “evidence material to the issue at hand”
    “facts likely to influence the judgment are called material facts”
    “a material witness”
    Synonyms:
    crucial
    having crucial relevance
    see moresee less
    Antonyms:
    immaterial
    of no importance or relevance especially to a law case
  8. noun
    artifact made by weaving or felting or knitting or crocheting natural or synthetic fibers
    “she measured off enough material for a dress”
    synonyms: cloth, fabric, textile
    see moresee less
    types:
    show 239 types...
    hide 239 types...
    aba
    a fabric woven from goat hair and camel hair
    acrylic
    a synthetic fabric
    Aertex
    a trademark for a loosely woven cotton fabric that is used to make shirts and underwear
    alpaca
    a thin glossy fabric made of the wool of the Lama pacos, or made of a rayon or cotton imitation of that wool
    baize
    a bright green fabric napped to resemble felt; used to cover gaming tables
    basket weave
    a cloth woven of two or more threads interlaced to suggest the weave of a basket
    batik
    a dyed fabric; a removable wax is used where the dye is not wanted
    batiste
    a thin plain-weave cotton or linen fabric; used for shirts or dresses
    belting
    the material of which belts are made
    bombazine
    a twilled fabric used for dresses; the warp is silk and the weft is worsted
    boucle
    a fabric of uneven yarn that has an uneven knobby effect
    broadcloth
    a closely woven silk or synthetic fabric with a narrow crosswise rib
    broadcloth
    a densely textured woolen fabric with a lustrous finish
    brocade
    thick heavy expensive material with a raised pattern
    buckram
    a coarse cotton fabric stiffened with glue; used in bookbinding and to stiffen clothing
    bunting
    a loosely woven fabric used for flags, etc.
    calico
    coarse cloth with a bright print
    cambric
    a finely woven white linen
    camel's hair, camelhair
    a soft tan cloth made with the hair of a camel
    camlet
    a fabric of Asian origin; originally made of silk and camel's hair
    camo, camouflage
    fabric dyed with splotches of green and brown and black and tan; intended to make the wearer of a garment made of this fabric hard to distinguish from the background
    canopy
    the umbrellalike part of a parachute that fills with air
    canvas, canvass
    a heavy, closely woven fabric (used for clothing or chairs or sails or tents)
    cashmere
    a soft fabric made from the wool of the Cashmere goat
    cerecloth
    a waterproof waxed cloth once used as a shroud
    challis
    a soft lightweight fabric (usually printed)
    chambray
    a lightweight fabric woven with white threads across a colored warp
    chenille
    a heavy fabric woven with chenille cord; used in rugs and bedspreads
    chiffon
    a sheer fabric of silk or rayon
    chino
    a coarse twilled cotton fabric frequently used for uniforms
    chintz
    a brightly printed and glazed cotton fabric
    coating
    a heavy fabric suitable for coats
    cobweb
    a fabric so delicate and transparent as to resemble a web of a spider
    cord, corduroy
    a cut pile fabric with vertical ribs; usually made of cotton
    cotton
    fabric woven from cotton fibers
    Canton flannel, cotton flannel
    a stout cotton fabric with nap on only one side
    crape, crepe
    a soft thin light fabric with a crinkled surface
    cretonne
    an unglazed heavy fabric; brightly printed; used for slipcovers and draperies
    crinoline
    a stiff coarse fabric used to stiffen hats or clothing
    damask
    a fabric of linen or cotton or silk or wool with a reversible pattern woven into it
    denim, dungaree, jean
    a coarse durable twill-weave cotton fabric
    diamante
    fabric covered with glittering ornaments such as sequins or rhinestones
    diaper
    a fabric (usually cotton or linen) with a distinctive woven pattern of small repeated figures
    dimity
    a strong cotton fabric with a raised pattern; used for bedcovers and curtains
    doeskin
    a fine smooth soft woolen fabric
    drapery
    cloth gracefully draped and arranged in loose folds
    duck
    a heavy cotton fabric of plain weave; used for clothing and tents
    duffel, duffle
    a coarse heavy woolen fabric
    elastic
    a fabric made of yarns containing an elastic material
    etamin, etamine
    a soft cotton or worsted fabric with an open mesh; used for curtains or clothing etc.
    faille
    a ribbed woven fabric of silk or rayon or cotton
    felt
    a fabric made of compressed matted animal fibers
    fiber, fibre, vulcanized fiber
    a leatherlike material made by compressing layers of paper or cloth
    flannel
    a soft light woolen fabric; used for clothing
    flannelette
    a cotton fabric imitating flannel
    fleece
    a soft bulky fabric with deep pile; used chiefly for clothing
    foulard
    a light plain-weave or twill-weave silk or silklike fabric (usually with a printed design)
    frieze
    a heavy woolen fabric with a long nap
    fustian
    a strong cotton and linen fabric with a slight nap
    gabardine
    a firm durable fabric with a twill weave
    georgette
    a thin silk dress material
    gingham
    a clothing fabric in a plaid weave
    grogram
    a coarse fabric of silk mixed with wool or mohair and often stiffened with gum
    grosgrain
    a silk or silklike fabric with crosswise ribs
    hair, haircloth
    cloth woven from horsehair or camelhair; used for upholstery or stiffening in garments
    herringbone
    a twilled fabric with a herringbone pattern
    homespun
    a rough loosely woven fabric originally made with yarn that was spun at home
    hopsack, hopsacking
    a loosely woven coarse fabric of cotton or linen; used in clothing
    horsehair
    a fabric made from fibers taken from the mane or tail of horses; used for upholstery
    jaconet
    a lightweight cotton cloth with a smooth and slightly stiff finish; used for clothing and bandages
    jacquard
    a highly figured fabric woven on a Jacquard loom
    khaddar, khadi
    a coarse homespun cotton cloth made in India
    khaki
    a sturdy twilled cloth of a yellowish brown color used especially for military uniforms
    knit
    a fabric made by knitting
    lace
    a delicate decorative fabric woven in an open web of symmetrical patterns
    lame
    a fabric interwoven with threads of metal
    imitation leather, leatherette
    fabric made to look like leather
    linen
    a fabric woven with fibers from the flax plant
    linsey-woolsey
    a rough fabric of linen warp and wool or cotton woof
    lint
    cotton or linen fabric with the nap raised on one side; used to dress wounds
    lisle
    a fabric woven with lisle thread
    mackinaw
    a heavy woolen cloth heavily napped and felted, often with a plaid design
    macintosh, mackintosh
    a lightweight waterproof (usually rubberized) fabric
    madras
    a light patterned cotton cloth
    marseille
    strong cotton fabric with a raised pattern; used for bedspreads
    metallic
    a fabric made of a yarn that is partly or entirely of metal
    mohair
    fabric made with yarn made from the silky hair of the Angora goat
    moire, watered-silk
    silk fabric with a wavy surface pattern
    moleskin
    a durable cotton fabric with a velvety nap
    monk's cloth
    a heavy cloth in basket weave
    moquette
    a thick velvety synthetic fabric used for carpets and soft upholstery
    moreen
    a heavy fabric of wool (or wool and cotton) used mostly in upholstery or for curtains
    motley
    a multicolored woolen fabric woven of mixed threads in 14th to 17th century England
    mousseline de sole
    a gauze-like fabric of silk or rayon
    muslin
    plain-woven cotton fabric
    nankeen
    a durable fabric formerly loomed by hand in China from natural cotton having a yellowish color
    mesh, meshing, meshwork, net, network
    an open fabric of string or rope or wire woven together at regular intervals
    ninon
    a fine strong sheer silky fabric made of silk or rayon or nylon
    nylon
    a synthetic fabric
    oilcloth
    cloth treated on one side with a drying oil or synthetic resin
    olive drab
    a cloth of an olive-brown color used for military uniforms
    organza
    a fabric made of silk or a silklike fabric that resembles organdy
    paisley
    a soft wool fabric with a colorful swirled pattern of curved shapes
    panting, trousering
    any fabric used to make trousers
    pepper-and-salt
    a fabric woven with flecks of light and dark
    percale
    a fine closely woven cotton fabric
    durable press, permanent press
    a fabric that has been chemically processed to resist wrinkles and hold its shape
    piece of cloth, piece of material
    a separate part consisting of fabric
    pilot cloth
    a thick blue cloth used to make overcoats and coats for sailors etc
    pinstripe
    a fabric with very thin stripes
    pique
    tightly woven fabric with raised cords
    plush
    a fabric with a nap that is longer and softer than velvet
    polyester
    any of a large class of synthetic fabrics
    pongee
    a soft thin cloth woven from raw silk (or an imitation)
    poplin
    a ribbed fabric used in clothing and upholstery
    print
    a fabric with a dyed pattern pressed onto it (usually by engraved rollers)
    quilting
    a material used for making a quilt, or a quilted fabric
    rayon
    a synthetic silklike fabric
    rep, repp
    a fabric with prominent rounded crosswise ribs
    sackcloth
    a coarse cloth resembling sacking
    bagging, sacking
    coarse fabric used for bags or sacks
    sailcloth
    a strong fabric (such as cotton canvas) used for making sails and tents
    samite
    a heavy silk fabric (often woven with silver or gold threads); used to make clothing in the Middle Ages
    sateen
    a cotton fabric with a satiny finish
    satin
    a smooth fabric of silk or rayon; has a glossy face and a dull back
    satinet, satinette
    a fabric with a finish resembling satin but made partly or wholly from cotton or synthetic fiber
    screening
    fabric of metal or plastic mesh
    scrim
    a firm open-weave fabric used for a curtain in the theater
    seersucker
    a light puckered fabric (usually striped)
    serge
    a twilled woolen fabric
    shag
    a fabric with long coarse nap
    shantung
    a heavy silk fabric with a rough surface (or a cotton imitation)
    sharkskin
    a smooth crisp fabric
    sheeting
    fabric from which bed sheets are made
    shirting
    any of various fabrics used to make men's shirts
    shirttail
    fabric forming the tail of a shirt
    silesia
    a sturdy twill-weave cotton fabric; used for pockets and linings
    silk
    a fabric made from the fine threads produced by certain insect larvae
    spandex
    an elastic synthetic fabric
    sponge cloth
    any soft porous fabric (especially in a loose honeycomb weave)
    stammel
    a coarse woolen cloth formerly used for undergarments and usually dyed bright red
    suede, suede cloth
    a fabric made to resemble suede leather
    suiting
    a fabric used for suits
    swan's down
    soft woolen fabric used especially for baby clothes
    taffeta
    a crisp smooth lustrous fabric
    tammy
    plain-woven (often glazed) fabric of wool or wool and cotton used especially formerly for linings and garments and curtains
    tapa, tappa
    a paperlike cloth made in the South Pacific by pounding tapa bark
    tapestry, tapis
    a heavy textile with a woven design; used for curtains and upholstery
    plaid, tartan
    a cloth having a crisscross design
    terry, terry cloth, terrycloth
    a pile fabric (usually cotton) with uncut loops on both sides; used to make bath towels and bath robes
    ticking
    a strong fabric used for mattress and pillow covers
    toweling, towelling
    any of various fabrics (linen or cotton) used to make towels
    tweed
    thick woolen fabric used for clothing; originated in Scotland
    twill
    a cloth with parallel diagonal lines or ribs
    upholstery material
    the fabric used in upholstering
    Velcro
    nylon fabric used as a fastening
    velour, velours
    heavy fabric that resembles velvet
    velvet
    a silky densely piled fabric with a plain back
    velveteen
    a usually cotton fabric with a short pile imitating velvet
    vicuna
    a soft wool fabric made from the fleece of the vicuna
    Viyella
    a fabric made from a twilled mixture of cotton and wool
    voile
    a light semitransparent fabric
    wash-and-wear
    a fabric treated to be easily washable and to require no ironing
    waterproof
    any fabric impervious to water
    web
    a fabric (especially a fabric in the process of being woven)
    webbing
    a strong fabric woven in strips
    whipcord
    a strong worsted or cotton fabric with a diagonal rib
    wincey
    a plain or twilled fabric of wool and cotton used especially for warm shirts or skirts and pajamas
    wire cloth
    fabric woven of metallic wire
    wool, woolen, woollen
    a fabric made from the hair of sheep
    worsted
    a woolen fabric with a hard textured surface and no nap; woven of worsted yarns "he wore a worsted suit"
    yoke
    fabric comprising a fitted part at the top of a garment
    pina cloth
    a fine cloth made from pineapple fibers
    acetate, acetate rayon
    a fabric made from fibers of cellulose acetate
    balbriggan
    a cotton knit fabric used for underwear
    Bedford cord
    a heavy corded fabric similar to corduroy; used for clothing
    bib
    top part of an apron; covering the chest
    Brussels lace
    fine lace with a raised or applique design
    burlap, gunny
    coarse jute fabric
    Canton crepe
    a soft thick crinkled dress crepe; heavier than crepe de Chine
    chamois cloth
    a piece of chamois used for washing windows or cars
    chicken wire
    a galvanized wire network with a hexagonal mesh; used to build fences
    chinchilla
    a thick twilled fabric of wool and cotton
    Courtelle
    an acrylic fabric resembling wool
    crepe de Chine
    a very thin crepe of silk or silklike fabric
    Dacron, Terylene
    a kind of polyester fabric
    dishcloth, dishrag
    a cloth for washing dishes
    double knit
    a knit fabric similar to jersey that is made with two sets of needles producing a double thickness joined by interlocking stitches
    drop cloth
    a large piece of cloth laid over the floor or furniture while a room is being painted
    dustcloth, duster, dustrag
    a piece of cloth used for dusting
    dust cover, dust sheet
    a large piece of cloth used to cover furniture that is not in use for a long period
    end, oddment, remainder, remnant
    a piece of cloth that is left over after the rest has been used or sold
    filet
    lace having a square mesh
    gauze, netting, veiling
    a net of transparent fabric with a loose open weave
    gauze, gauze bandage
    (medicine) bleached cotton cloth of plain weave used for bandages and dressings
    gore, panel
    a piece of cloth that is generally triangular or tapering; used in making garments or umbrellas or sails
    ground cloth, groundsheet
    a waterproofed piece of cloth spread on the ground (as under a tent) to protect from moisture
    guimpe
    a piece of starched cloth covering the shoulders of a nun's habit
    gusset, inset
    a piece of material used to strengthen or enlarge a garment
    hairnet
    a small net that some women wear over their hair to keep it in place
    handkerchief, hankey, hankie, hanky
    a square piece of cloth used for wiping the eyes or nose or as a costume accessory
    Harris Tweed
    a loosely woven tweed made in the Outer Hebrides
    huck, huckaback
    toweling consisting of coarse absorbent cotton or linen fabric
    jersey
    a slightly elastic machine-knit fabric
    liner, lining
    a piece of cloth that is used as the inside surface of a garment
    longyi, lungi, lungyi
    a long piece of brightly colored cloth (cotton or silk) used as clothing (a skirt or loincloth or sash etc.) in India and Pakistan and Burma
    macrame
    a relatively coarse lace; made by weaving and knotting cords
    crepe marocain, marocain
    a dress crepe; similar to Canton crepe
    nainsook
    a soft lightweight muslin used especially for babies
    narrow wale
    corduroy with narrow ribs
    organdie, organdy
    a sheer stiff muslin fabric
    Orlon
    an acrylic fiber or the lightweight crease-resistant fabric made with Orlon yarns
    patch
    a piece of cloth used as decoration or to mend or cover a hole
    bobbin lace, pillow lace
    a handmade lace worked on a pillow with threads wound on bobbins; the pattern is marked out on the pillow by pins
    placket
    a piece of cloth sewn under an opening
    needlepoint, point lace
    lace worked with a needle in a buttonhole stitch on a paper pattern
    rag, shred, tag, tag end, tatter
    a small piece of cloth or paper
    reseau
    a net or mesh foundation for lace
    russet
    a reddish brown homespun fabric
    safety net
    a large strong net to catch circus acrobats who fall or jump from a trapeze
    canvas, canvass, sail, sheet
    a large piece of fabric (usually canvas fabric) by means of which wind is used to propel a sailing vessel
    sarcenet, sarsenet
    a fine soft silk fabric often used for linings
    save-all
    a net hung between ship and pier while loading a ship
    snood
    an ornamental net in the shape of a bag that confines a woman's hair; pins or ties at the back of the head
    spark arrester, sparker
    a wire net to stop sparks from an open fireplace or smokestack
    stockinet, stockinette
    knit used especially for infants' wear and undergarments
    swatch
    a sample piece of cloth
    tarp, tarpaulin
    waterproofed canvas
    terry, terry cloth, terrycloth
    a pile fabric (usually cotton) with uncut loops on both sides; used to make bath towels and bath robes
    towel
    a rectangular piece of absorbent cloth (or paper) for drying or wiping
    train
    piece of cloth forming the long back section of a gown that is drawn along the floor
    tricot
    a knitted fabric or one resembling knitting
    tucker
    a detachable yoke of linen or lace worn over the breast of a low-cut dress
    tulle
    a fine (often starched) net used for veils or tutus or gowns
    Ultrasuede
    a synthetic suede cloth
    viscose, viscose rayon
    a rayon fabric made from viscose (cellulose xanthate) fibers
    wide wale
    corduroy with wide ribs
    winceyette
    cotton flannelette with a nap on both sides
    grillwork, wirework
    mesh netting made of wires
    type of:
    artefact, artifact
    a man-made object taken as a whole
  9. noun
    a person judged suitable for admission or employment
    “he was university material
    “she was vice-presidential material
    see moresee less
    type of:
    applicant, applier
    a person who requests or seeks something such as assistance or employment or admission
  10. adjective
    concerned with or affecting physical as distinct from intellectual or psychological well-being
    material needs”
    “"the moral and material welfare of all good citizens"- T.Roosevelt”
    Synonyms:
    physical
    involving the body as distinguished from the mind or spirit
  11. adjective
    concerned with worldly rather than spiritual interests
    material possessions”
    material wealth”
    material comforts”
    Synonyms:
    secular, temporal, worldly
    characteristic of or devoted to the temporal world as opposed to the spiritual world
Pronunciation
US

/məˈtɪriəl/

UK

/məˈtɪəriəl/

Cite this entry
Style:
MLA
  • MLA
  • APA
  • Chicago

A paragraph of text

Copy citation
DISCLAIMER: These example sentences appear in various news sources and books to reflect the usage of the word ‘material'. Views expressed in the examples do not represent the opinion of Vocabulary.com or its editors. Send us feedback
Word Family
EDITOR'S CHOICE

Look up material for the last time

Close your vocabulary gaps with personalized learning that focuses on teaching the words you need to know.

VocabTrainer - Vocabulary.com's Vocabulary Trainer