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   matrix

   /ˈmeɪtrɪks/

   noun

   • 1. the cultural, social, or political environment in which something develops: "Oxbridge was the matrix of the ideology"
   • 2. a mass of fine-grained rock in which gems, crystals, or fossils are embedded: "nodules of secondary limestone set in a matrix of porous dolomite"
   • ▪ the substance between cells or in which structures are embedded: "the lipid matrix of olfactory cells"
   • ▪ fine material used to bind together the coarser particles of a composite substance: "the matrix of gravel paths is hoed regularly"
   • 3. a mould in which something, such as a record or printing type, is cast or shaped: "her two duets with Isobel Baillie were never issued and the matrices were destroyed"
   • 4. a rectangular array of quantities or expressions in rows and columns that is treated as a single entity and manipulated according to particular rules: "this formula applies for all square matrices"
   • 5. an organizational structure in which two or more lines of command, responsibility, or communication may run through the same individual: "matrix structures are said to foster greater flexibility"

   Word Origin late Middle English (in the sense ‘womb’): from Latin, ‘breeding female’, later ‘womb’, from mater, matr- ‘mother’.

   Scrabble Points: 15

   • M

     3

   • A

     1

   • T

     1

   • R

     1

   • I

     1

   • X

     8

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