matter-n; 7 Senses

Sense Number 1: generic substance that has mass

Commentary: MATTER[+substance][+mass][+generic]

Examples:
Matter can be converted to energy according to Einstein's famous equation.
Cosmologists don't yet understand the nature of dark matter in the universe.
Matter and antimatter will annihilate each other in an interaction.
The occultist lectured about the limits of matter and the power of the spirit.

Mappings:
PropBank: NM
WordNet 3.0 Sense Numbers: 3

Sense Number 2: particular kinds of physical substance

Commentary: MATTER[+substance][+physical][+particular]

Examples:
Dead leaves and decayed vegetable matter lay in the ditch.
The autopsy revealed fecal matter on the corpse.
This diagram shows the areas of gray matter of the brain.

Mappings:
PropBank: NM
WordNet 0.0 Sense Numbers: 2c, 2d

Sense Number 3: a concern or affair

Commentary: MATTER[+state][+situation][+concern]

Examples:
John has several matters to attend to after the meeting.
This is really a matter for the police to deal with.
The president will be discussing matters of state with the foreign dignitaries.
Driving while intoxicated is a serious matter.
She deals mostly with the firm's financial matters.
Those are matters of the heart.

Mappings:
PropBank: NM
WordNet 3.0 Sense Numbers: 1, 2

Sense Number 4: a problem, something wrong

Commentary: MATTER[+state][+situation][+problem]
NOTE: usually in the phrase 'something/nothing the matter'

Examples:
Is anything the matter?
The mechanic could find nothing the matter with my brakes.
What's the matter with leaving our coats here while we go for lunch?

Mappings:
PropBank: NM
WordNet 3.0 Sense Numbers: 4

Sense Number 5: of consequence

Commentary: MATTER[+state][+situation][+consequence]
NOTE: often occurs with negation, e.g. no matter

Examples:
It was of little matter whether they stayed or went.
The little duckling followed Mary no matter where she went.
Don't buy anything from that carpet seller, no matter what kind of deal he offers you.

Mappings:
PropBank: NM
WordNet 3.0 Sense Numbers: 5

Sense Number 6: set of writings

Commentary: MATTER[+set][+document]

Examples:
Jane brought some reading matter for the plane ride.
I wonder if that book store has some interesting humorous matter.
Sally finished going through several stacks of financial matters on her desk.

Mappings:
PropBank: NM
WordNet 3.0 Sense Numbers: 6

Sense Number 7: vague or unspecified quantity

Commentary: MATTER[+quantity][+vague]

Examples:
The noodles will cook in a matter of minutes.
In a matter of seconds the fire had spread to the upstairs floor.

Mappings:
PropBank: NM
WordNet 0.0 Sense Numbers: 4