Matrices

3 definitions found

From The Collaborative International Dictionary of English v.0.48 [gcide]:

  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]

From WordNet (r) 2.0 [wn]:

  matrix
       n 1: a rectangular array of elements (or entries) set out by rows
            and columns
       2: an enclosure within which something originates or develops
          (from the Latin for womb)
       3: the body substance in which tissue cells are embedded [syn:
          {intercellular substance}, {ground substance}]
       4: the formative tissue at the base of a nail
       5: mold used in the production of phonograph records, type, or
          other relief surface
       [also: {matrices} (pl)]

From WordNet (r) 2.0 [wn]:

  matrices
       See {matrix}