WordWeight : Weighing the Words

Pronunciation : Ma"trix
Part of Speech : n.;
Etymology : [L., fr. mater mother. See Mother, and cf. Matrice.]
Definition : 1. (Anat.)

Defn: 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)

Defn: The five simple colors, black, white, blue, red, and yellow, of which all the rest are composed.

3. (Biol.)

Defn: The lifeless portion of tissue, either animal or vegetable, situated between the cells; the intercellular substance.

4. (Math.)

Defn: A rectangular arrangement of symbols in rows and columns. The symbols may express quantities or operations.

pl. Matrices.
Source : Webster's Unabridged Dictionary, 1913