Materia refers to the physical substance or material that makes up objects and living organisms. It encompasses everything that has mass and occupies space, including solids, liquids, and gases. In scientific terms, materia can be broken down into atoms and molecules, which are the building blocks of all matter. In various fields, such as philosophy and science, the concept of materia is explored to understand the nature of existence and the physical world. For example, in philosophy, materia is often contrasted with spirit or mind, highlighting the differences between physical and non-physical entities.