noun
extraordinary talent; genius; prodigy
Refers to a person of exceptional ability. Often used in formal or literary contexts. The cross-reference 異才 (いさい) is a more common spelling for this meaning.
See also: 異才 (いさい)
彼は若くして異材の誉れ高かった。
He was highly praised as a prodigy from a young age.
この分野で異材を発掘するのは難しい。
It is difficult to discover extraordinary talent in this field.
noun
different material; contaminant
Only when written 異材
Used in technical or industrial contexts to refer to a foreign substance or a material different from the main one. Often implies an unwanted inclusion.
製品に異材が混入していないか検査する。
Inspect the product for any contaminants.
この部品は異材同士の接合が難しい。
Joining different materials in this part is difficult.
More common spelling for 'extraordinary talent'; 異材 is a less frequent variant.
Compound of 異 (different, extraordinary) and 材 (material, talent). The 'talent' sense is a figurative extension of 'different/extraordinary material'.