Word Study
subject-matter
CIDE DICTIONARY
subject-matter, n.
The matter or thought presented for consideration in some statement or discussion; that which is made the object of thought or study. [1913 Webster]
"As to the subject-matter, words are always to be understood as having a regard thereto." [1913 Webster]
"As science makes progress in any subject-matter, poetry recedes from it." [1913 Webster]
For further exploring for "subject-matter" in Webster Dictionary Online