ettmaterial

ett material is Swedish for “a material.” In standard usage Swedish writes it as two words. The concatenated form ettmaterial is uncommon and generally appears only in typographical errors, brand names, or as a shorthand in certain databases. The indefinite article ett marks neuter gender; the definite form is materialet.

Material refers to substances used to make something, including natural and synthetic substances. In science and engineering, materials are studied in material science and materials engineering. The field investigates structure, properties, processing, and performance.

Common material classes include metals (metaller such as iron and steel), polymers (polymerer), ceramics (keramer/keramiska material), and composites (kompositer). Other categories include biomaterials, electronic materials, and construction materials. Materials are evaluated by properties such as mechanical strength, hardness, ductility, density, thermal and electrical conductivity, corrosion resistance, and durability, as well as processing constraints and cost.

In practice, the concept is central to material science, product design, and construction. The term encompasses both raw substances and finished materials used in manufacturing and engineering.

See also: material science; material properties; materials engineering.