Matter

mat′ėr, n. that which occupies space, and with which we become acquainted by our bodily senses: that out of which anything is made: that which receiving a form becomes a substance: the subject or thing treated of: anything engaging the attention: that with which one has to do: cause of a thing: thing of consequence: something requiring remedy or explanation: any special allegation in law: importance: a measure, ., of indefinite amount: ( print. ) material for work, type set up: mere dead substance, that which is thrown off by a living body, esp. pus, or the fluid in boils, tumours, and festering sores.— v.i. to be of importance: to signify: to form or discharge matter in a sore:— pr.p. matt′ering; pa.p. matt′ered. — adjs. Matt′erful , full of matter, pithy; Matt′erle ; Matt′er-of-fact , adhering to the matter of fact: not fanciful: dry; Matt′ery , significant: purulent.— Matter of course , occurring in natural time and order, as a thing to be expected; Matter of fact , really happening and not fanciful or supposed: not wandering beyond realities. [O. Fr. matiere —L. materia , matter.]