[ma.te.ri.al.ism] n (1748) 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 n or adj -- ma.te.ri.al.is.tic adj -- ma.te.ri.al.is.ti.cal.ly adv