Noun: materialism mu'teer-ee-u,li-zum
- (philosophy) the philosophical theory that matter is the only reality
"materialism argues that even mental states can be explained in terms of physical processes";
- physicalism
- A desire for wealth and material possessions with little interest in ethical or spiritual matters
"His materialism was evident in his obsession with luxury cars and designer clothes";
- philistinism
Derived forms: materialisms
Type of: desire, philosophical doctrine, philosophical theory
Encyclopedia: Materialism