raw materials
RAW muh-TEER-ee-ulz
/rɔː məˈtɪəriəlz/
The basic material from which a product is made.
Refers to substances in their natural or minimally processed state (e.g., iron ore, timber, crude oil).
The story behind the word. 'Raw' comes from Old English 'hreaw' (uncooked). 'Materials' comes from Latin 'materia' (wood or substance). It literally means 'uncooked substance'.
Word relationships
- commodities: Commodities are raw materials that are traded on an exchange, like gold or wheat.
- finished goods: Products that have completed the manufacturing process.
Commonly confused with
- ingredients: Ingredients is used for food; raw materials is used for industrial products.
Collocations
- sourcing raw materials
- cost of raw materials
- shortage of raw materials
- processing raw materials
Example sentences
- "The value of any commodity is determined by the labor required to transform raw materials into a finished product." Adam Smith on the wealth of nations.
Memory hook
Raw = Uncooked. Materials = Stuff. Uncooked stuff for the factory. Raw Materials = The starting stuff.
When not to use
Don't use for 'components' that are already manufactured (like a computer chip); use 'parts' or 'components'.
Fun facts
- The global trade in raw materials is worth over $1 trillion annually.
Related words
Explore more words
feedstock, timber, materiality, Commodities, inventory, consumption
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