matter[ mat-er ]

noun

  • the substance or substances of which any physical object consists or is composed:
  • the matter of which the earth is made.
  • physical or corporeal substance in general, whether solid, liquid, or gaseous, especially as distinguished from incorporeal substance, as spirit or mind, or from qualities, actions, and the like.
  • something that occupies space.
  • a particular kind of substance:
  • coloring matter.

verb (used without object)

  • to be of importance; signify:
  • It matters little.
  • Pathology. to suppurate.