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
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 matrix is a prison of the mind, and Paul is its prisoner; Houellebecq is not wrong to accept the premise that, to a greater or lesser degree, we are all hooked up to it.
—
Judith Shulevitz, The Atlantic, 24 Oct. 2024
These primitive, cell-like structures were likely made of two fundamental components: a matrix material that provided a structural framework and a genetic material that carried instructions for protocells to function.
—Discover Magazine, 17 Oct. 2024
This one, though, feels more like it was intended to air and then something went temporally wrong — a glitch in the time matrix, or some kind of quickening.
—Joe Berkowitz, Vulture, 29 Sep. 2024
The compartments formed by a matrix and a membrane crucially provide a stable environment that can concentrate reactants and protect them from the external environment, allowing the necessary chemical reactions to take place.
—Discover Magazine, 17 Oct. 2024
See all Example Sentences for matrix 
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Judith Shulevitz, The Atlantic, 24 Oct. 2024
These primitive, cell-like structures were likely made of two fundamental components: a matrix material that provided a structural framework and a genetic material that carried instructions for protocells to function.
—Discover Magazine, 17 Oct. 2024
This one, though, feels more like it was intended to air and then something went temporally wrong — a glitch in the time matrix, or some kind of quickening.
—Joe Berkowitz, Vulture, 29 Sep. 2024
The compartments formed by a matrix and a membrane crucially provide a stable environment that can concentrate reactants and protect them from the external environment, allowing the necessary chemical reactions to take place.
—Discover Magazine, 17 Oct. 2024
See all Example Sentences for matrix
Articles Related to matrix
Dictionary Entries Near matrix
Cite this Entry
“Matrix.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/matrix. Accessed 30 Nov. 2024.
Copy CitationKids 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
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