materials science

noun

: the scientific study of the properties and applications of materials of construction or manufacture (such as ceramics, metals, polymers, and composites)
materials scientist noun

Examples of materials science in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web
Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to show current usage. Read More Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.
The materials science behind polymer chains explains why a bicycle manufacturer would choose to glue a frame together. — New Atlas, 29 Aug. 2026 Potential applications include materials science, drug discovery, battery chemistry, logistics, financial modeling, energy systems, and fusion research. — Chuck Brooks, Forbes.com, 28 Aug. 2026 Those experiments covered a range of topics, including geophysics, materials science, medicine, biology, and remote sensing, ESA has said. — Tariq Malik, Space.com, 26 Aug. 2026 Gongora recalled a chemist working in the materials science lab, Sarah Finnegan, who used to spend four to six hours pipetting samples into a tube rotator. — Chase Hunter, Mercury News, 14 Aug. 2026 See All Example Sentences for materials science

Word History

First Known Use

1956, in the meaning defined above

Time Traveler
The first known use of materials science was in 1956

Rhymes for materials science

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Browse Nearby Words

materialness
materials science
materia medica
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Cite this Entry

“Materials science.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/materials%20science. Accessed 5 Sep. 2026.

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More from Merriam-Webster on materials science

Britannica.com: Encyclopedia article about materials science

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