noun
Etymology: Middle English matere subject, translation of Late Latin materia subjecta, translation of Greek hypokeimenē hylē, literally, underlying matter
1. archaic : matter acted upon (as in a process or by a skill) : material from which something is formed
2. : matter presented for consideration: as
a. : the essential facts, data, or ideas that constitute the basis of spoken, written, or artistic expression or representation ; often : the substance as distinguished from the form especially of an artistic or literary production
b. : a subject of thought or study ; often : conveyable material (as information, knowledge, skill) actually made available by a branch of knowledge or in a course of study : the available factual content of a branch or course as distinct from technique or method of instruction or factors inherent in the individual learner
c. : the topic of dispute in a legal matter