Definition of MATRIX

matrix

Meanings

Plural: matrices, matrixes

Noun

  • (mathematics) a rectangular array of quantities or expressions set out by rows and columns; treated as a single element and manipulated according to rules
  • (geology) amass of fine-grained rock in which fossils, crystals, or gems are embedded
  • an enclosure within which something originates or develops (from the Latin for womb)
  • the body substance in which tissue cells are embedded
  • the formative tissue at the base of a nail
  • mold used in the production of phonograph records, type, or other relief surface
  • The cavity or mold in which anything is formed.
  • The womb.
  • The metaphorical place where something is made, formed, or given birth.
  • The material or tissue in which more specialized structures are embedded.
  • An extracellular matrix, the material or tissue between the cells of animals or plants.
  • Part of the mitochondrion.
  • The medium in which bacteria are cultured.
  • A table of data.
  • A rectangular arrangement of numbers or terms having various uses such as transforming coordinates in geometry, solving systems of linear equations in linear algebra and representing graphs in graph theory.
  • A two-dimensional array.
  • Alternative letter-case form of Matrix; a controlled environment or situation in which people behave in ways that conform to pre-determined roles.
  • A grid-like arrangement of electronic components, especially one intended for information coding, decoding or storage.
  • A geological matrix.
  • The sediment surrounding and including the artifacts, features, and other materials at a site.
  • The environment from which a given sample is taken.
  • In hot metal typesetting, a mold for casting a letter.
  • In printmaking, the plate or block used, with ink, to hold the image that makes up the print.
  • The five simple colours (black, white, blue, red, and yellow) from which all the others are formed.
  • A binding agent of composite materials, e.g. resin in fibreglass.
  • Matrix clause is a clause that has another (subordinate) clause embedded within it.

Origin / Etymology

From Middle English matris, matrice, matrix, from Old French matrice (“pregnant animal”), or from Latin mātrīx (“dam, womb”), both ultimately from māter (“mother”). Doublet of mother from Indo-European ancestor.
Slang usage coined with the 1999 sci-fi action film The Matrix.

Synonyms

array, grid, ground substance, intercellular substance, printing form, spreadsheet, table

Scrabble Score: 15

matrix is a valid Scrabble (US) TWL word
matrix is a valid Scrabble Word in Merriam-Webster MW Dictionary
matrix is a valid Scrabble Word in International Collins CSW Dictionary

Words With Friends Score: 16

matrix is a valid Words With Friends word