The term 'PAVING MATTER' can be broken down into two words, 'PAVING' and 'MATTER'. PAVING is the process of laying down a hard surface such as asphalt or concrete for roads, driveways, and other surfaces. The word 'MATTER' refers to the material used in the PAVING process, which is typically a combination of gravel, sand, and asphalt. The crossword solution for this term is 'MACADAM', which is a type of road construction that uses crushed stone and tar to form a hard surface. MACADAM is a popular choice for PAVING roads and driveways due to its durability and cost-effectiveness.