composite material

This term is primarily used in engineering, architecture, and materials science to describe substances like carbon fiber or reinforced concrete. It emphasizes the synergy between a matrix and a reinforcement, where the resulting product outperforms the individual ingredients in terms of strength, weight, or durability.

In a technical register, it is often used interchangeably with "composite," though "composite material" is more explicit when distinguishing the substance from mathematical or musical compositions. It is almost exclusively used in a positive or neutral technical context to denote innovation and efficiency.