matrix

ma·trix

noun \ˈmā-triks\

plural ma·tri·ces \ˈmā-trə-ˌsēz, ˈma-\ or ma·trix·es \ˈmā-trik-səz\

Definition of MATRIX

1

: something within or from which something else originates, develops, or takes form

2

a : a mold from which a relief surface (as a piece of type) is made

b : die 3a(1)

c : an engraved or inscribed die or stamp

d : an electroformed impression of a phonograph record used for mass-producing duplicates of the original

3

a : the natural material (as soil or rock) in which something (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 of mathematical elements (as the coefficients of simultaneous 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 (as diodes and transistors) for performing a specific function

6

: a main clause that contains a subordinate clause

Examples of MATRIX

1. the complex social matrix in which people live their lives
2. The wires all crossed each other and formed a matrix.
3. a matrix used for making knives

Origin of MATRIX

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

First Known Use: 1555

Other Mineralogy Terms

agate, host, inclusion, streak

ma·trix

noun \ˈmā-triks\   (Medical Dictionary)

plural ; ma·tri·ces \ˈmā-trə-ˌsēz also ˈma-\ (audio pronunciation)or ; matrixes

Medical Definition of MATRIX

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

matrix

noun    (Concise Encyclopedia)

Set of numbers arranged in rows and columns to form a rectangular array. Matrix elements may also be differential operators, vectors, or functions. Matrices have wide applications in engineering, physics, economics, and statistics, as well as in various branches of mathematics. They are usually first encountered in the study of systems of equations represented by matrix equations of the form Ax = B, which may be solved by finding the inverse of matrix A or by using an algebraic method based on its determinant.