ma·te·ri·al 1 /mə-'tir-ē-əl/ adj
1: of, relating to, or consisting of physical matter
2: being of real importance or consequence
3: being an essential component
the material terms of the contract
4: being relevant to a subject under consideration; specif: being such as would affect or be taken into consideration by a reasonable person in acting or making a decision see also insider trading
ma·te·ri·al·i·ty /mə-ˌtir-ē-'a-lə-tē/ n
ma·te·ri·al·ly adv
material 2 n: something used for or made the object of consideration or study; specif: evidence see also brady material
Merriam-Webster’s Dictionary of Law. Merriam-Webster. 1996.