Final answer:
Material culture is the sum total of the material and intellectual equipment used by people to satisfy their needs and adapt to their environment. It includes objects such as tools, clothing, and buildings, which hold symbolic meanings and reflect the values and beliefs of a society.
Step-by-step explanation:
The sum total of the material and intellectual equipment whereby people satisfy their biological and social needs and adapt themselves to their environment is a categorical cultural definition of material culture. Material culture refers to the objects made or used by humans, such as buildings, tools, clothing, household items, and art. It is through material culture that people are able to meet their basic needs and express themselves within a cultural context.
For example, the tools and technology used for farming, the architecture of a community's buildings, and the clothing styles worn by its people are all examples of material culture. These items and practices not only serve functional purposes but also carry symbolic meanings and reflect the values and beliefs of the society.