matter
UK[ˈmætə]US[ˈmætər]
n
The physical substance that everything in the universe is made of, which has mass and occupies space.
n
A subject, situation, or issue that you need to discuss, think about, or deal with.
n
Written or printed material.
v
To be important or have influence.
Etymology
The word 'matter' entered English via Anglo-Norman and Old French 'matere', which itself descended from Latin 'materia', meaning "timber, substance, material for building." This Latin term is thought to be related to 'mater', meaning "mother," possibly evoking the concept of a source or origin. The semantic journey from the concrete sense of "physical building material" to the abstract philosophical and scientific concept of "physical substance" and further to generalized "subject of concern" is a classic example of meaning broadening and abstraction. The verb sense, "to be of importance," developed from the idea of a subject being substantial or having weight.
Analysis
The word 'matter' is a simplex word derived from a single Latin root. It is not productively composed of smaller, independently meaningful morphemes in modern English.
Examples
All physical objects are composed of matter.
We need to discuss an important matter at the meeting.
It doesn't matter if we're a few minutes late.