Definition: matrices

Search dictionary for

Source: Webster's Revised Unabridged Dictionary (1913) 

Matrix \Ma"trix\, n.; pl. Matrices. [L., fr. mater mother. See
   Mother, and cf. Matrice.]
   1. (Anat.) The womb.

            All that openeth the matrix is mine.  --Ex. xxxiv.
                                                  19.

   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.

   3. (Biol.) The lifeless portion of tissue, either animal or
      vegetable, situated between the cells; the intercellular
      substance.

   4. (Math.) A rectangular arrangement of symbols in rows and
      columns. The symbols may express quantities or operations.