Definition: An independent continuant [snap:IndependentContinuant] that is spatially extended whose identity is independent of that of other entities and can be maintained through time. Note: Material entity [snap:MaterialEntity] subsumes object [snap:Object], fiat object part [snap:FiatObjectPart], and object aggregate [snap:ObjectAggregate], which assume a three level theory of granularity, which is inadequate for some domains, such as biology.

Examples: collection of random bacteria, a chair, dorsal surface of the body

turbid media

capillary monolith

cartilage replacement material

inductively coupled plasma

silver nanodiscs

homogeneous synthetic porous material

heterogeneous natural sandstone

sample

macroscopic matter

samples