Materiality
/məˌtɪəriˈæləti/noun
The quality of being material, physical, or significant to a particular matter.
Did you know?The Latin root materia was connected with mater, “mother,” reflecting the ancient idea of a mother-substance or living source from which things are formed.
Etymological Timeline
Proto-Indo-European
PIE
*méh₂tēr
“Mother; a female source or origin”
Classical Latin
Latin
mater
“Mother”
Classical Latin
Latin
materia
“Wood or timber; later, the substance or matter from which something is made”
Medieval Latin
Latin
materialis
“Of or relating to matter or substance”
Medieval Latin
Latin
materialitas
“The condition or quality of being material”
15th Century
English
materialite / materiality
“The quality of being material or pertaining to matter”
Modern English
English
materiality
“Physical substance, or practical significance and relevance”