noun
Common
Matrix
Matrix (noun) means a grid of numbers or values arranged in rows and columns, used in mathematics and computing. Example: “The software solved the equations by manipulating a large matrix.”
noun
1
A grid of numbers or values arranged in rows and columns, used in mathematics and computing.
"The software solved the equations by manipulating a large matrix."
2
An environment or structure within which something else develops or is embedded.
"The fossil was found in a matrix of hardened sediment."
3
A simulated or artificial reality, especially one used to control or deceive those inside it (a sense popularized by science fiction).
"In the film, the characters slowly realize their entire world is just a matrix."
How to use Matrix
Learner’s notesIn plain EnglishA structured grid of numbers, or more broadly, the underlying structure or setting something exists within.
Common pairings
a matrix of
skills matrix
decision matrix
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The software solved the equations by manipulating a large _____.
Etymology
From Latin mātrix, "breeding animal, womb," from māter, "mother" — the idea of a structure that other things grow or are formed within. The science-fiction sense was popularized by the 1999 film The Matrix.
Class of 1999
Matrix joined the language around 1999.
See the full Class of 1999 →
Related words
Rhymes for Matrix
See all rhymes for Matrix →Frequently asked questions
What does “Matrix” mean?
The word “Matrix” means a grid of numbers or values arranged in rows and columns, used in mathematics and computing. In plain terms, a structured grid of numbers, or more broadly, the underlying structure or setting something exists within.
How do you use “Matrix” in a sentence?
Here is “Matrix” used in a sentence: “The software solved the equations by manipulating a large matrix.”
What part of speech is “Matrix”?
“Matrix” is a noun.
Where does the word “Matrix” come from?
The word “Matrix” dates back to around 1999 and comes from Latin. From Latin mātrix, "breeding animal, womb," from māter, "mother" — the idea of a structure that other things grow or are formed within. The science-fiction sense was popularized by the 1999 film The Matrix.
Is “Matrix” a common word?
“Matrix” is a fairly common word in modern English.
How many meanings does “Matrix” have?
“Matrix” has 3 distinct senses listed in this dictionary. The most common is: a grid of numbers or values arranged in rows and columns, used in mathematics and computing.
What is the plural of matrix — matrices or matrixes?
Both plurals are accepted, but matrices (pronounced MAY-truh-seez) is the usual choice, especially in mathematics, science, and computing. Matrixes is a legitimate English plural and appears in general writing, yet it remains the rarer form.
What is the difference between a matrix and a table?
A matrix is a grid of numbers or values arranged in rows and columns that is treated as a single mathematical object, so matrices can be added, multiplied, and transformed. A table is simply a way of displaying data for reading; nobody multiplies two tables together.
When should matrix be capitalized?
As an ordinary noun — a grid of values, or the environment in which something develops — matrix is lowercase. Capitalized, the Matrix usually refers to the simulated reality in the science-fiction franchise of that name, which popularized the "artificial reality" sense of the word.
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