matrix

noun

ma·​trix ˈmā-triks 

plural matrices ˈmā-trə-ˌsēz 

ˈma-

or matrixes ˈmā-trik-səz 

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

b

: die sense 3a(1)

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

Likewise, each of the matrices in our Galois representation of S3 has a number called a trace, which is the sum of its top left and bottom right elements. — Quanta Magazine, 9 Sep. 2026

An eggshell is mostly comprised of calcium carbonate crystals embedded in a protein matrix, further bolstered by a thin collagen inner membrane. — Jennifer Ouellette, ArsTechnica, 8 Sep. 2026

Soundcore Earbuds Labor Day Deal The Soundcore Space A40 Earbuds build an invisible wall against the chaos with an adaptive ANC intelligence matrix that actively isolates up to 98% of ambient noise. — Juhi Wadia, PC Magazine, 8 Sep. 2026

Beyond that simple baseline, the matrix of desire at work in Lee and Oh Jung-mi’s remarkably nuanced script is too slippery to pin down until the movie’s velvet gutpunch of a final scene. — David Ehrlich, IndieWire, 6 Sep. 2026

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

Phrases Containing matrix

• active-matrix
• augmented matrix
• diagonal matrix
• dot matrix
• Hermitian matrix
• identity matrix
• passive-matrix
• square matrix
• symmetric matrix

Rhymes for matrix

• administratrix
• cicatrix

Kids Definition

matrix

noun

ma·​trix ˈmā-triks 

plural matrices ˈmā-trə-ˌsēz 

ˈma-

or matrixes ˈmā-trik-səz 

: something (as a mold) that gives form, foundation, or origin to something else enclosed in it

Medical Definition

matrix

noun

ma·​trix ˈmā-triks 

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