Standard Lemma guide
Definitions and examples are grouped by meaning. Pronunciation, history, word forms, translations, descendants, synonyms, antonyms, derived terms, and related words appear whenever the source provides them.
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No pronunciation record was provided for this word.
noun
The ultimate basis of physical substance, before it has been given form.
Definition source: English Wiktionary via Wiktextract
Usage: uncountable
Topics: human-sciences, philosophy, sciences
No example sentence was provided for this meaning.
Synonyms: hyle
Antonyms: none provided
noun
A hypothetical substance from which the universe was created.
Definition source: English Wiktionary via Wiktextract
Usage: uncountable
Topics: natural-sciences, physical-sciences, physics
No example sentence was provided for this meaning.
Synonyms: hyle
Antonyms: none provided
noun
An unstable substance that is powerful and dangerous.
Definition source: English Wiktionary via Wiktextract
Usage: uncountable
Topics: literature, media, publishing, science-fiction
No example sentence was provided for this meaning.
Synonyms: none provided
Antonyms: none provided
History
From proto- + matter, partially as a calque of Ancient Greek πρώτη ὕλη (prṓtē húlē, “fundamental undifferentiated matter”) in Aristotle.
