- matrix
- matrix ma"trix (m[=a]"tr[i^]ks), n.; pl. {Matrices}
(m[a^]t"r[i^]*s[=e]z). [L., fr. mater mother. See {Mother},
and cf. {Matrice}.]
[1913 Webster]
1. (Anat.) The womb.
[1913 Webster]
All that openeth the matrix is mine. --Ex. xxxiv. 19. [1913 Webster]
2. Hence: That which gives form or origin to anything; as: (a) (Mech.) The cavity in which anything is formed, and which gives it shape; a die; a mold, as for the face of a type. (b) (Min.) The earthy or stony substance in which metallic ores or crystallized minerals are found; the gangue. (c) pl. (Dyeing) The five simple colors, black, white, blue, red, and yellow, of which all the rest are composed. [1913 Webster]
3. (Biol.) The lifeless portion of tissue, either animal or vegetable, situated between the cells; the intercellular substance. [1913 Webster]
4. (Math.) A rectangular arrangement of symbols in rows and columns. The symbols may express quantities or operations. [1913 Webster]
The Collaborative International Dictionary of English. 2000.
