An Etymological Dictionary of Astronomy and Astrophysics

Belief that physical matter is the only reality and that everything, including thought, feeling, mind, and will, can be explained in terms of matter and physical phenomena.

Etymology (EN): N.L. materialismus; → material + -ism.

Etymology (PE): Mâddebâvari, from mâddé, → matter, +
bâvari, from bâvar “belief” (Mid.Pers. wâbar “beleif;” Proto-Iranian *uar- “to choose; to convince; to believe;” cf. Av. var- “to choose; to convince” varəna-, varana- “conviction, faith;” O.Pers. v(a)r- “to choose; to convince;” Skt. vr- “to choose,” vara- “choosing”).