n.
Pronunciation: m ə - ' tir- ē - ə - ˌ li-z ə m
Function: noun
Date: 1733
1 a : a theory that physical matter is the only or fundamental reality and that all being and processes and phenomena can be explained as manifestations or results of matter b : a doctrine that the only or the highest values or objectives lie in material well-being and in the furtherance of material progress c : a doctrine that economic or social change is materially caused ― compare HISTORICAL MATERIALISM
2 : a preoccupation with or stress upon material rather than intellectual or spiritual things
– ma · te · ri · al · ist \ -list \ noun or adjective
– ma · te · ri · al · is · tic \ - ˌ tir- ē - ə - ' lis-tik \ adjective
– ma · te · ri · al · is · ti · cal · ly \ -ti-k( ə -)l ē \ adverb