noun pl. matrices -·tri·ces′ (mā′trə sēz′, ma′trə-) or matrixes -·trix′es

1. Archaic the womb; uterus
2. that within which, or within and from which, something originates, takes form, or develops; specif.,
   1. a die or mold for casting or shaping
   2. an impression from which a large number of phonograph records can be duplicated
3. Anat.
   1. any nonliving, intercellular substance in which living cells are embedded, as in bone, cartilage, etc.
   2. the formative cells from which a nail, tooth, etc. grows
4. Electronics a process in which several signals are combined for transmission or recording and then separated for reception or playback
5. Geol. the rock or earthy material in which a crystal, pebble, fossil, etc. is enclosed or embedded
6. Linguis. a main or independent clause
7. Math. a set of numbers or terms arranged in rows and columns between parentheses or double lines
8. Printing
   1. a metal mold for casting the face of type
   2. a papier-mâché, plaster, or similar impression of type, etc., from which a plate can be made, as in stereotypy

Etymology: LL, womb, public register, origin < L, breeding animal < mater (gen. matris), mother