matrix (mātr&ibreve_;ks), n.; pl. Matrices (mătr&ibreve_;sēz). [L., fr. mater mother. See Mother, and cf. Matrice.]
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1. (Anat.) The womb.
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All that openeth the matrix is mine. Ex. xxxiv. 19.
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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.
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3. (Biol.) The lifeless portion of tissue, either animal or vegetable, situated between the cells; the intercellular substance.
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4. (Math.) A rectangular arrangement of symbols in rows and columns. The symbols may express quantities or operations.
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