matrix
noun
ma·trix
| \ ˈmā-triks
\
\
plural matrices\ ˈmā-trə-ˌsēz
, ˈma- \
or matrixes\ ˈmā-trik-səz
\
, ˈma- \
or matrixes\ ˈmā-trik-səz
\
Definition of matrix
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
2a
: 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
3a
: 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)
4a
: 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
5a
: 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
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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
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Recent Examples on the Web
The spread of pancreatic cancer can either be helped or hindered by this matrix. — Jeffery Delviscio, Scientific American, "A Flash on Jupiter, the Death of Mitochondria and the World under Your Skin: The Week’s Best Science GIFs," 16 Aug. 2019 While state agencies issue licenses, the commercial trucking industry is regulated via a complex matrix of state and federal laws. — Matt Rocheleau, BostonGlobe.com, "Fallout from fatal New Hampshire crash continues with state officials pointing fingers," 26 June 2019 Each bite is a matrix of muscle and fat cells, interlaced with blood vessels and enrobed by connective tissue. — Natalie R. Rubio, The Conversation, "So far cultured meat has been burgers – the next big challenge is animal-free steaks," 5 July 2019 This starts off as a thick gel, but then hardens into a solid matrix that binds the aggregates together. — The Economist, "Making buildings, cars and planes from materials based on plant fibres," 14 June 2018 The show went to a virtual matrix universe where everyone was a bad guy, and the Big Bad was a magic robot lady. — Adam Rogers, WIRED, "So Long, You Weird, Space-Time-Defying Agents of S.H.I.E.L.D.," 19 July 2019 On the back wall is a sign with a helpful matrix classifying the oysters by size, salinity, and sweetness. — Globe Staff, BostonGlobe.com, "Our food critic ate her way through the Encore Boston casino so you don’t have to," 25 June 2019 Reviewing the matrix and formulas every four years allows for stability but takes into account the potential need for revisions due to market changes and turnover on the respective school boards, according to Searle. — Rick Kambic, chicagotribune.com, "Mundelein school districts to create cost formula for sharing employees," 10 June 2019 And in an industry where acclaim is often a byproduct of time and consistency, Horn has proven to be a glitch in the matrix. — SFChronicle.com, "Matt Horn is the future of Bay Area barbecue," 2 July 2019These example sentences are selected automatically from various online news sources to reflect current usage of the word 'matrix.' Views expressed in the examples do not represent the opinion of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.
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More Definitions for matrix
matrix
noun
English Language Learners Definition of matrix
technical
: something (such as a situation or a set of conditions) in which something else develops or forms
: something shaped like a pattern of lines and spaces
: a container that can be filled with a material (such as very hot metal) to give the material a new shape
See the full definition for matrix in the English Language Learners Dictionary
matrix
noun
ma·trix
| \ ˈmā-triks
\
\
plural matrices\ ˈmā-trə-ˌsēz also ˈma- \
or matrixes
Medical Definition of matrix
1a
: 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
4a
: 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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