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Dictionary

Words, grammatical forms and meanings linked to the ontology.

prima materia en · NOUN

Etymology

From Latin prīma māteria (“first matter”).

Meanings

  1. (uncountable) The primitive formless base of all matter, which is the starting material required for the magnum opus and the creation of the philosopher's stone.
    • The alchemist's initial encounter with the prima materia is characterized by feelings of frustration, bewilderment, disassociation and disintegration. 1976, Johannes Fabricius, Alchemy: The Medieval Alchemists and Their Royal Art: