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matrix
(redirected from matrix retainer)

   Also found in: Medical, Legal, Encyclopedia, Wikipedia, Hutchinson 0.03 sec.
ma·trix  (mtrks)
n. pl. ma·tri·ces (mtr-sz, mtr-) or ma·trix·es
1. A situation or surrounding substance within which something else originates, develops, or is contained: "Freedom of expression is the matrix, the indispensable condition, of nearly every form of freedom" Benjamin N. Cardozo.
2. The womb.
3. Anatomy
a. The formative cells or tissue of a fingernail, toenail, or tooth.
4. Geology
a. The solid matter in which a fossil or crystal is embedded.
b. Groundmass.
5. A mold or die.
6. The principal metal in an alloy, as the iron in steel.
7. A binding substance, as cement in concrete.
8.
a. Mathematics A rectangular array of numeric or algebraic quantities subject to mathematical operations.
b. Something resembling such an array, as in the regular formation of elements into columns and rows.
9. Computer Science The network of intersections between input and output leads in a computer, functioning as an encoder or a decoder.
10. Printing
a. A mold used in stereotyping and designed to receive positive impressions of type or illustrations from which metal plates can be cast. Also called mat2.
b. A metal plate used for casting typefaces.
11. An electroplated impression of a phonograph record used to make duplicate records.

[Middle English matrice, from Old French, from Late Latin mtrx, mtrc-, from Latin, breeding-animal, from mter, mtr-, mother; see mter- in Indo-European roots.]

matrix [may-trix]
Noun
pl -trices or matrixes
1. the context or framework in which something is formed or develops: a highly complex matrix of overlapping interests
2. the rock in which fossils or pebbles are embedded
3. a mould, esp. one used in printing
4. Maths a rectangular array of numbers elements set out in rows and columns [Latin: womb]

matrix  (mtrks)
Plural matrices (mtr-sz, mtr-) or matrixes
1. Geology The mineral grains of a rock in which fossils are embedded.
2. Biology The component of an animal or plant tissue that is outside the cells. Bone cells are embedded in a matrix of collagen fibers and mineral salts. Connective tissue consists of cells and extracellular fibers in a liquid called ground substance. Also called extracellular matrix.
3. Mathematics A rectangular array of numeric or algebraic quantities subject to mathematical operations.
4. Anatomy The formative cells or tissue of a fingernail, toenail, or tooth.
ThesaurusLegend:  Synonyms Related Words Antonyms
Noun1.matrixmatrix - (mathematics) a rectangular array of quantities or expressions set out by rows and columns; treated as a single element and manipulated according to rules
math, mathematics, maths - a science (or group of related sciences) dealing with the logic of quantity and shape and arrangement
correlation matrix - a matrix giving the correlations between all pairs of data sets
array - an orderly arrangement; "an array of troops in battle order"
dot matrix - a rectangular matrix of dots from which written characters can be formed
square matrix - a matrix with the same number of rows and columns
real matrix - a matrix whose elements are all real numbers
transpose - a matrix formed by interchanging the rows and columns of a given matrix
2.matrix - (geology) amass of fine-grained rock in which fossils, crystals, or gems are embedded
geology - a science that deals with the history of the earth as recorded in rocks
rock, stone - material consisting of the aggregate of minerals like those making up the Earth's crust; "that mountain is solid rock"; "stone is abundant in New England and there are many quarries"
3.matrix - an enclosure within which something originates or develops (from the Latin for womb)
natural enclosure, enclosure - a naturally enclosed space
4.matrix - the body substance in which tissue cells are embedded
body substance - the substance of the body
bone, os - rigid connective tissue that makes up the skeleton of vertebrates
connective tissue - tissue of mesodermal origin consisting of e.g. collagen fibroblasts and fatty cells; supports organs and fills spaces between them and forms tendons and ligaments
cartilage, gristle - tough elastic tissue; mostly converted to bone in adults
5.matrix - the formative tissue at the base of a nail
animal tissue - the tissue in the bodies of animals
nail - horny plate covering and protecting part of the dorsal surface of the digits
6.matrix - mold used in the production of phonograph records, type, or other relief surface
cast, mold, mould - container into which liquid is poured to create a given shape when it hardens
Translations

matrix [pl matrices] [ˈmeɪtrɪks, ˈmeɪtrɪsiːz] nmatriz f
matrix [matrices , pl ] [ˈmeɪtrɪks, ˈmeɪtrɪsiːz] nmatrice f
matrix [ˈmeɪtrɪks] [matrices , pl ] n (Math) → Matrix f;
(framework) → Gefüge nt
matrix [pl matrices] [ˈmeɪtrɪks, ˈmeɪtrɪsiːz] nmatrice f

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