matrix

noun

ma·​trix ˈmā-triks How to pronounce matrix (audio)
plural matrices ˈmā-trə-ˌsēz How to pronounce matrix (audio)
ˈma-
or matrixes ˈmā-trik-səz How to pronounce matrix (audio)
1
: something within or from which something else originates, develops, or takes form
an atmosphere of understanding and friendliness that is the matrix of peace
2
a
: a mold from which a relief (see relief entry 1 sense 6) surface (such as a piece of type) is made
c
: an engraved or inscribed die (see die entry 2 sense 3) or stamp
d
: an electroformed impression of a phonograph record used for mass-producing duplicates of the original
3
a
: the natural material (such as soil or rock) in which something (such as a fossil or crystal) is embedded
b
: material in which something is enclosed or embedded (as for protection or study)
4
a
: the extracellular substance in which tissue cells (as of connective tissue) are embedded
b
: the thickened epithelium at the base of a fingernail or toenail from which new nail substance develops
5
a
: a rectangular array (see array entry 2 sense 5) of mathematical elements (such as the coefficients (see coefficient sense 1) of simultaneous (see simultaneous sense 2) linear equations) that can be combined to form sums and products with similar arrays having an appropriate number of rows and columns
b
: something resembling a mathematical matrix especially in rectangular arrangement of elements into rows and columns
c
: an array of circuit elements (such as diodes and transistors) for performing a specific function
6
: a main (see main entry 2 sense 5) clause that contains a subordinate (see subordinate entry 1) clause

Did you know?

In ancient Rome, a matrix was a female animal kept for breeding, or a plant (sometimes called a "parent plant" or "mother plant") whose seeds were used for producing other plants. In English the word has taken on many related meanings. Mathematicians use it for a rectangular organization of numbers or symbols that can be used to make various calculations; geologists use it for the soil or rock in which a fossil is discovered, like a baby in the womb. And matrix was a good choice as the name of the reality in which all humans find themselves living in a famous series of science-fiction films.

Examples of matrix in a Sentence

the complex social matrix in which people live their lives The wires all crossed each other and formed a matrix. a matrix used for making knives
Recent Examples on the Web For 2-by-2 matrices, that means 23 or 8 multiplications. Quanta Magazine, 7 Mar. 2024 To make matters worse, amidst the nearly impenetrable matrix of vegetation swallowing up headstones, Palmer and a group of Boy Scouts that had come to clear the land encountered a group of deer hunters. USA TODAY, 14 Feb. 2024 Hunger is part of a larger matrix of suffering that also includes widespread disease, lack of adequate shelter, overcrowding and a lack of clean drinking water. A Special Correspondent, Los Angeles Times, 28 Dec. 2023 The matrix is navigated by knowing which numbers are associated with other numbers like it. Perry Carpenter, Forbes, 29 Feb. 2024 Bureaucrats seeking promotion need to score at least 80 out of 100 points in a multi-item assessment matrix. Foreign Affairs, 20 Feb. 2024 Mitochondria naturally have fewer hydrogen ions in their inner matrix than near their outer edge. Corey Buhay, Smithsonian Magazine, 1 Feb. 2024 So are decision matrices, pros and cons lists, and cost-benefit analyses that can help structure your thinking and bring a more rational perspective to your decisions. Bryce Hoffman, Forbes, 19 Feb. 2024 Breaking down the chemical and physical structure of the cells in a food, or a food’s matrix, can damage or even eliminate many of the nutrients in that food, said Anthony Fardet, a senior research scientist at the French National Institute for Agricultural Research in Paris. Sandee Lamotte, CNN, 1 Feb. 2024

These examples are programmatically compiled from various online sources to illustrate current usage of the word 'matrix.' Any opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback about these examples.

Word History

Etymology

Latin, female animal used for breeding, parent plant, from matr-, mater

First Known Use

1555, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Time Traveler
The first known use of matrix was in 1555

Dictionary Entries Near matrix

Cite this Entry

“Matrix.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/matrix. Accessed 28 Mar. 2024.

Kids Definition

matrix

noun
ma·​trix ˈmā-triks How to pronounce matrix (audio)
plural matrices ˈmā-trə-ˌsēz How to pronounce matrix (audio)
ˈma-
or matrixes ˈmā-trik-səz How to pronounce matrix (audio)
: something (as a mold) that gives form, foundation, or origin to something else enclosed in it

Medical Definition

matrix

noun
ma·​trix ˈmā-triks How to pronounce matrix (audio)
plural matrices
ˈmā-trə-ˌsēz also ˈma-
or matrixes
1
a
: the extracellular substance in which tissue cells (as of connective tissue) are embedded
mineralization of bone matrix
b
: the thickened epithelium at the base of a fingernail or toenail from which new nail substance develops

called also nail bed, nail matrix

2
: something (as a surrounding or pervading substance or element) within which something else originates or takes form or develops
3
: a mass by which something is enclosed or in which something is embedded
membrane-bound organelles suspended in the cytoplasmic matrix
chromatin fibers attach to the nuclear matrix
4
a
: a strip or band placed so as to serve as a retaining outer wall of a tooth in filling a cavity
b
: a metal or porcelain pattern in which an inlay is cast or fused
5
: the substrate on or within which a fungus grows

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