: the thickened epithelium at the base of a fingernail or toenail from which new nail substance develops
5
a
: a rectangular array (see arrayentry 2 sense 5) of mathematical elements (such as the coefficients (see coefficientsense 1) of simultaneous (see simultaneoussense 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
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.
Example Sentences
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 WebPrivate security guards, as part of their state certification to carry a gun, review a use-of-force matrix spelling out the appropriate level of force for varying levels of resistance.oregonlive, 20 Aug. 2022 The hikes offer some of the clearest evidence to date that the streaming industry’s unprofitable subscription pricing matrix, ostensibly designed to reel in customers in a fiercely competitive field, is quickly approaching unsustainability. Jacob Carpenter, Fortune, 11 Aug. 2022 Hardly anybody understands how some decisions are reached at the Olympisch Kwalificatietoernooi, an always volatile mix of perhaps the most competitive Olympic qualifying event in the world and a byzantine selection procedure known as the matrix.New York Times, 1 Feb. 2022 The logistics around transporting grain from a dangerous war zone are also complex and will require buy-in from a matrix of commercial and government players. Julia Horowitz, CNN, 26 July 2022 But there’s a glitch in the matrix; too often, Black Thought’s voice is buried in the mix. Joe Gross, Rolling Stone, 12 Aug. 2022 This process binds the lean and fat particles together in a matrix, Griffin said. Mike Snider, USA TODAY, 2 July 2022 It’s his hometown, and it’s the matrix of memory, love, and spirit rooted there. Cate Mcquaid, BostonGlobe.com, 19 July 2022 To be sure, one of the most enchanting aspects of the Black Mountain universe is seeing the matrix of influence among the artists.New York Times, 7 July 2022 See More
Word History
Etymology
Latin, female animal used for breeding, parent plant, from matr-, mater