matrix

noun20

1. •
   A table of data.
2. •
   A rectangular arrangement of numbers or terms having various uses such as transforming coordinates in geometry, solving systems of linear equations in linear algebra and representing graphs in graph theory.

   • Theorem (7.5.2) then says that every positive semidefinite matrix is a convex combination of matrices that lie on extreme rays. — 1987
3. •
   A two-dimensional array.
4. •
   A grid-like arrangement of electronic components, especially one intended for information coding, decoding or storage.

   • Any type of core or diode matrix used to derive the decoding of these codes would amount to a rather large volume of terminals for just the 17,500 terminals alone. — 1949
5. •
   The material or tissue in which more specialized structures are embedded.
6. •
   An extracellular matrix, the material or tissue between the cells of animals or plants.
7. •
   Part of the mitochondrion.
8. •
   The medium in which bacteria are cultured.
9. •
   A geological matrix.
10. •
    The sediment surrounding and including the artifacts, features, and other materials at a site.
11. •
    A binding agent of composite materials, e.g. resin in fibreglass.
12. •
    The cavity or mold in which anything is formed.
13. •
    The metaphorical place where something is made, formed, or given birth.
14. •
    (historical) In hot metal typesetting, a mold for casting a letter.
15. •
    (slang, figurative) Alternative letter-case form of Matrix; a controlled environment or situation in which people behave in ways that conform to pre-determined roles.
16. •
    The environment from which a given sample is taken.
17. •
    Matrix clause is a clause that has another (subordinate) clause embedded within it.
18. •
    In printmaking, the plate or block used, with ink, to hold the image that makes up the print.
19. •
    The five simple colours (black, white, blue, red, and yellow) from which all the others are formed.
20. •
    (no longer used) The womb.

    • upon conception the inward orifice of the matrix exactly closeth, so that it commonly admitteth nothing after […] — 1650