Definition of: matter

(mat′ər) noun
1. That which makes up the substance of anything, especially of material things.
2. The material of which a thing is composed.
3. Physics That aspect of reality conceived as existing prior to and independently of the mind and to have characteristics susceptible to precise measurement in terms of extension, force, mass, radiation, and energy.
4. That which constitutes the essence or substance of a particular thing.
5. Something not exactly conceived or stated; an indefinite, often a comparatively small, amount.
6. A subject for discussion or feeling.
7. Something of moment and importance.
8. A condition of affairs, especially if unpleasant or unfortunate; case; difficulty; trouble: What's the matter?
9. The thought, or material of thought.
10. Pus.
11. Philos. The as yet undifferentiated substratum of those properties and changes of which the human senses take cognizance and which, by their differentiation and combination in an infinite variety of forms, constitute the separate existences and characteristic qualities of physical things.
12. Printing Type that is set or composed; also, material to be set up; copy.
13. Written or printed documents sent by mail. See synonyms under MASS¹, TOPIC.
—v.i.
1. To be of concern or importance; signify.
2. To form or discharge pus; suppurate. [<F matière <L materia stuff]