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

The matrices grew so large that the computer simply couldn’t finish. — Lyndie Chiou, Scientific American, 5 Aug. 2026

Adaptive matrix headlights, which can selectively dim portions of the beam to avoid dazzling other drivers while maintaining maximum illumination elsewhere, are theoretically the technological solution to the problem. — Matthew MacConnell, ArsTechnica, 3 Aug. 2026

Additional scanning transmission electron microscopy (STEM) mapped the distribution of platinum and chromium atoms inside the silver matrix, providing further evidence that the unusual atomic arrangement was responsible for the catalyst’s behavior. — Rupendra Brahambhatt, Interesting Engineering, 2 Aug. 2026

This is accompanied by vertical matrix taillights with 708 red LED particles and headlights with 228 LED beads per group. — New Atlas, 1 Aug. 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