Defn: A vain, unprofitable discourse or inquiry. [R.]
MATEOTECHNY
Ma`te*o*tech"ny, n. Etym: [Gr.
Defn: Any unprofitable science. [Obs.]
MATER
Ma"ter, n. Etym: [L., mother. See Mother.]
Defn: See Alma mater, Dura mater, and Pia mater.
MATERIAL
Ma*te"ri*al, a. Etym: [L. materialis, fr. materia stuff, matter: cf.
F. matériel. See Matter, and cf. MatÉriel.]
1. Consisting of matter; not spiritual; corporeal; physical; as, material substance or bodies. The material elements of the universe. Whewell.
2. Hence: Pertaining to, or affecting, the physical nature of man, as distinguished from the mental or moral nature; relating to the bodily wants, interests, and comforts.
3. Of solid or weighty character; not insubstantial; of cinsequence; not be dispensed with; important. Discourse, which was always material, never trifling. Evelyn. I shall, in the account of simple ideas, set down only such as are most material to our present purpose. Locke.
4. (Logic.)