| materia medica | 1. Material or substance used in the composition of remedies; a general term for all substances used as curative agents in medicine. 2. That branch of medical science which treats of the nature and properties of all the substances that are employed for the cure of diseases. Origin: L. See Matter, and Medical. Source: Websters Dictionary (01 Mar 1998) |
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| materia | Substance or matter. Origin: L. Substance (05 Mar 2000) |
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| materia alba | Accumulation or aggregation of microorganisms, desquamated epithelial cells, blood cells and food debris loosely adherent to surfaces of plaques, teeth, gingiva or dental appliances. Origin: L. White matter (05 Mar 2000) |