Material

(89), a. [Lat. materialis, from materia, stuff, matter; Fr. matériel, Pr. & Sp. material, It. materiale.]

1. Consisting of matter; not spiritual; corporeal; physical; as, material substance; material bodies. “The material elements of the universe.” Whewell.
2. Hence, pertaining to, or affecting, the physical nature of man, as distinguished from the moral or religious nature; relating to the bodily wants, interests, and comforts.
3. Of solid or weighty character; not insubstantial; of consequence, not to be dispensed with; important; momentous. “The discourse, which was always material, never trifling.” Evelyn.

In the account of simple ideas, I shall set down only such as are most material to our present purpose. Locke. 4. (Logic.) Pertaining to the matter, as opposed to the form, of a thing. See MATTER. Syn.—Corporeal; bodily; important; weighty; momentous; essential.