The term "natural material" refers to raw materials that are sourced from natural sources such as plants, animals and minerals. The spelling of this term can be broken down phonetically as /ˈnæʧrəl/ /məˈtɪərɪəl/. The first syllable is pronounced with the short "a" sound, the second syllable is pronounced with a soft "ch" and the stress is on the first syllable. The second word is pronounced as "muh-teer-ee-ul" with the stress on the second syllable. This spelling helps to ensure correct pronunciation and understanding of the term.
A natural material refers to any substance or element that is derived from the Earth and its natural processes, without significant human intervention or modification. Natural materials can be found in various forms such as solid, liquid, or gas, and are typically obtained directly from biological sources or geological formations. These materials are considered to be raw or minimally processed, maintaining their innate qualities and characteristics.
Examples of natural materials include minerals, such as rocks, ores, and gems obtained from the Earth's crust, as well as vegetation-based materials such as wood, bamboo, and cork obtained from plants and trees. Likewise, animal-based materials like fur, leather, wool, and silk are derived from living organisms. Additionally, naturally occurring substances such as water, air, and various gases are also considered natural materials.
One prominent feature of natural materials is their sustainability and environmental compatibility, as they are part of the Earth's ecosystems and cycles. Natural materials often exhibit unique properties and characteristics that are specific to their source, making them desirable for various applications. They can possess inherent strength, durability, flexibility, texture, color, and other properties that make them suitable for a wide range of uses, including construction, manufacturing, textiles, crafts, and art.
Natural materials are distinct from synthetic or man-made materials that are created through human processes, often requiring extensive chemical reactions or industrial manipulation. While synthetic materials play a vital role in many industries, the use of natural materials remains significant due to their abundance, renewable nature, and potential for biodegradability, making them an integral part of sustainable practices and efforts.
The etymology of the word "natural" can be traced back to the Latin word "naturalis", which is derived from "natura". In Latin, "natura" refers to "birth", "quality", or "essential qualities". It originates from the verb "nasci", meaning "to be born".
The term "material" has a more complex etymology. It comes from the Latin word "materia", which initially referred to the timber used in construction. Over time, the word expanded in meaning to encompass different substances, such as materials used for artistic purposes or general matter or substance.
When combined, "natural material" refers to substances or matter that occur in nature and are not human-made or artificial.