mater

American  

[mey-ter] / ˈmeɪ tər /

noun

plural

maters, matres

1. British Informal. mother.

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

---

mater British  

/ ˈmeɪtə /

noun

1. slang:public_school a word for mother 1

---

Etymology

Origin of mater

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

Example Sentences

He often hires recent graduates of his alma mater to be his law clerks.

From The Wall Street Journal • Mar. 14, 2026

Prince William’s alma mater, Scotland’s elite University of St. Andrew’s, receives so many Americans it is now sometimes referred to as “mini-Nantucket.”

From The Wall Street Journal • Feb. 26, 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

Defensive ends coach Shaun Nua stuck with USC amid rumors of interest from his alma mater, Brigham Young.

From Los Angeles Times • Feb. 13, 2026

So said Agatha Swanburne, according to a great many hand-stitched pillows at Penelope’s alma mater.

From "The Unseen Guest" by Maryrose Wood