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.
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.
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.
That which one has to treat, or with which
one has to do; concern; affair; business.
Affair worthy of account; thing of
consequence; importance; significance; moment; -- chiefly in the
phrases what matter ? no matter, and the
like.
Inducing cause or occasion, especially of
anything disagreeable or distressing; difficulty; trouble.
Amount; quantity; portion; space; -- often
indefinite.
Substance excreted from living animal
bodies; that which is thrown out or discharged in a tumor, boil, or
abscess; pus; purulent substance.
That which is permanent,
or is supposed to be given, and in or upon which changes are effected
by psychological or physical processes and relations; -- opposed to
form.
Written manuscript, or
anything to be set in type; copy; also, type set up and ready to be
used, or which has been used, in printing.
In celebration of Noah Webster's Birthday (October 16, 2009), we have prepared an updated website. 
