materials science

American  

noun

1. the study of the characteristics and uses of various materials, as glass, plastics, and metals.

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Etymology

Origin of materials science

First recorded in 1960–65

Example Sentences

They were named for their structural resemblance to perovskites, a broader class of oxide materials widely studied in materials science.

From Science Daily • Apr. 10, 2026

“The binding constraints are migrating into the physical layer: materials science, molecular engineering, and specialty chemistry.”

From Barron's • Feb. 25, 2026

Stupp is a leader in regenerative materials science and holds the title of Board of Trustees Professor of Materials Science and Engineering, Chemistry, Medicine and Biomedical Engineering at Northwestern.

From Science Daily • Feb. 16, 2026

This explains why most quantum research consists of some kind of modeling problem—and why quantum is expected to have an outsized impact in the areas of drug discovery and materials science.

From Barron's • Jan. 29, 2026

Beyond improving our understanding of melting in two dimensions, the study also shows how advanced microscopy and artificial intelligence can work together to explore new frontiers in materials science.

From Science Daily • Jan. 26, 2026