Mat`ro*nym"ic (?), n. [L. mater mother + -nymic, as in patronimic.] See
Metronymic.
Ma*tross" (?), n. [D. matroos, fr. F. matelot.] (Mil.) Formerly, in the
British service, a gunner or a gunner's mate; one of the soldiers in a
train of artillery, who assisted the gunners in loading, firing, and
sponging the guns. [Obs.]
Matt (?), n. See Matte. Knight.
Mat`ta*ges" (?), n. (Zoöl.) A shrike or butcher bird; -- written also
matagasse. [Prov. Eng.]
Mat"ta*more` (?), n. [F. matamore, from Ar. mamra.] A subterranean
repository for wheat.
Matte (mt), n. [F. matte; cf. F. mat, masc., matte, fem., faint, dull,
dim; -- said of metals. See Mate checkmate.] 1. (Metallurgy) A partly
reduced copper sulphide, obtained by alternately roasting and melting
copper ore in separating the metal from associated iron ores, and
called coarse metal, fine metal, etc., according to the grade of
fineness. On the exterior it is dark brown or black, but on a fresh
surface is yellow or bronzy in color.
2. A dead or dull finish, as in gilding where the gold leaf is not
burnished, or in painting where the surface is purposely deprived of
gloss.
Mat"ted (?), a. [See Matte.] Having a dull surface; unburnished; as,
matted gold leaf or gilding.
Matted glass, glass ornamented with figures on a dull ground.
Mat"ted, a. [See 3d Mat.] 1. Covered with a mat or mats; as, a matted
floor.
2. Tangled closely together; having its parts adhering closely
together; as, matted hair.
Mat"ter (?), n. [OE. matere, F. matière, fr. L. materia; perh. akin to
L. mater mother. Cf. Mother, Madeira, Material.] 1. That of which
anything is composed; constituent substance; material; the material or
substantial part of anything; the constituent elements of conception;
that into which a notion may be analyzed; the essence; the pith; the
embodiment.
He is the matter of virtue.
B. Jonson.
2. That of which the sensible universe and all existent bodies are
composed; anything which has extension, occupies space, or is
perceptible by the senses; body; substance.
Matter is usually divided by philosophical writers into three kinds or
classes: solid, liquid, and aëriform. Solid substances are those whose
parts firmly cohere and resist impression, as wood or stone. Liquids
have free motion among their parts, and easily yield to impression, as
water and wine. Aëriform substances are elastic fluids, called vapors
and gases, as air and oxygen gas.
3. That with regard to, or about which, anything takes place or is
done; the thing aimed at, treated of, or treated; subject of action,
discussion, consideration, feeling, complaint, legal action, or the
like; theme. "If the matter should be tried by duel." Bacon.
Son of God, Savior of men ! Thy name Shall be the copious matter of
my song.
Milton.
Every great matter they shall bring unto thee, but every small
matter they shall judge.
Ex. xviii. 22.
4. That which one has to treat, or with which one has to do; concern;
affair; business.
To help the matter, the alchemists call in many vanities out of
astrology.
Bacon.
Some young female seems to have carried matters so far, that she is
ripe for asking advice.
Spectator.
5. Affair worthy of account; thing of consequence; importance;
significance; moment; -- chiefly in the phrases what matter ? no
matter, and the like.
A prophet some, and some a poet, cry; No matter which, so neither
of them lie.
Dryden.
6. Inducing cause or occasion, especially of anything disagreeable or
distressing; difficulty; trouble.
And this is the matter why interpreters upon that passage in Hosea
will not consent it to be a true story, that the prophet took a
harlot to wife.
Milton.
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