mater

American  

[mey-ter] / ˈmeɪ tər /

noun

plural

maters, matres

1. British Informal. mother.

2. the backing holding the movable parts of an astrolabe.

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mater British  

/ ˈmeɪtə /

noun

1. slang:public_school a word for mother 1

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Etymology

Origin of mater

First recorded in 1585–95, mater is from the Latin word māter

Example Sentences

We have no heirs and plan to leave our assets to an endowed scholarship at my alma mater, plus a smaller gift to a local university program.

From MarketWatch • Apr. 8, 2026

To some donors, their love for their alma mater may outweigh any tax benefit.

From Salon • Apr. 5, 2026

He’s a Granada Hills High graduate and was a teacher and girls’ basketball coach at his alma mater “forever.”

From Los Angeles Times • Feb. 20, 2026

After returning to Hungary, in 1960 he became a repetiteur with the Budapest Philharmonic Society, and would later teach piano and chamber music at his alma mater.

From Barron's • Feb. 18, 2026

“I’m going to cut through the dura mater now. I want you to see something else.”

From "Snow Falling on Cedars: A Novel" by David Guterson