mater
Latinmother; matter, material, substance
About This Root
From Latin māteria (matter, material, substance), originally meaning 'the substance of which something is made,' related to māter (mother). Produces material, materialism, materialize. Also connects to maternal (motherly) and matrix (the womb, hence a foundational structure). The 'mother as source of substance' metaphor underlies this word family.
Associated Words · 6
matter
a subject of concern; physical substance; to be important
material
physical substance or fabric; important data; physical and significant
matrix
A rectangular array of numbers; an environment in which something develops
maternal
Of or relating to a mother; motherly; related through the mother's side
materialize
To become real or appear; to come to fruition
materialism
Excessive concern for wealth and possessions; the belief that only matter exists