matrix
[ mey-triks, ma- ]
/ ˈmeɪ trɪks, ˈmæ- /
noun, plural ma·tri·ces [mey-tri-seez, ma-] /ˈmeɪ trɪˌsiz, ˈmæ-/, ma·trix·es.
Origin of matrix
1325–75; Middle English
matris, matrix < Latin
mātrix female animal kept for breeding (Late Latin: register, orig. of such beasts), parent stem (of plants), derivative of
māter mother
Words nearby matrix
Example sentences from the Web for matrix
British Dictionary definitions for matrix
matrix
/ (ˈmeɪtrɪks, ˈmæ-) /
noun plural matrices (ˈmeɪtrɪˌsiːz, ˈmæ-) or matrixes
Word Origin for matrix
C16: from Latin: womb, female animal used for breeding, from
māter mother
Medical definitions for matrix
matrix
[ mā′trĭks ]
n. pl. ma•trix•es
A surrounding substance within which something else originates, develops, or is contained.
The womb.
The formative cells or tissue of a fingernail, toenail, or tooth.
ground substance
A specially shaped instrument, plastic material, or metal strip for holding and shaping the material used in filling a tooth cavity.
Scientific definitions for matrix
matrix
[ mā′trĭks ]
Plural matrices (mā′trĭ-sēz′, măt′rĭ-) matrixes
Geology
The mineral grains of a rock in which fossils are embedded.
Biology
The component of an animal or plant tissue that is outside the cells. Bone cells are embedded in a matrix of collagen fibers and mineral salts. Connective tissue consists of cells and extracellular fibers in a liquid called ground substance. Also called extracellular matrix
Mathematics
A rectangular array of numeric or algebraic quantities subject to mathematical operations.
Anatomy
The formative cells or tissue of a fingernail, toenail, or tooth.