matrix

The definition of a matrix is an environment in which something is created or the rock in which a crystal or fossil is embedded.

(noun)

An example of a matrix is the Constitution from which democracy was born.
An example of a matrix is a chunk of rock in which amethyst crystals are formed.

See matrix in Webster's New World College Dictionary

Archaic the womb; uterus
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
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
Electronics a process in which several signals are combined for transmission or recording and then separated for reception or playback
Geol. the rock or earthy material in which a crystal, pebble, fossil, etc. is enclosed or embedded
Linguis. a main or independent clause
Math. a set of numbers or terms arranged in rows and columns between parentheses or double lines
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

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

See matrix in American Heritage Dictionary 4

noun pl. ma·tri·ces (māˈtrĭ-sēzˌ, mătˈrĭ-) or ma·trix·es

A situation or surrounding substance within which something else originates, develops, or is contained: “Freedom of expression is the matrix, the indispensable condition, of nearly every form of freedom” (Benjamin N. Cardozo).
The womb.
Anatomy
a. The formative cells or tissue of a fingernail, toenail, or tooth.
b. See ground substance.
Geology
a. The solid matter in which a fossil or crystal is embedded.
b. Groundmass.
A mold or die.
The principal metal in an alloy, as the iron in steel.
A binding substance, as cement in concrete.
a. Mathematics A rectangular array of numeric or algebraic quantities subject to mathematical operations.
b. Something resembling such an array, as in the regular formation of elements into columns and rows.
Computer Science The network of intersections between input and output leads in a computer, functioning as an encoder or a decoder.
Printing
a. A mold used in stereotyping and designed to receive positive impressions of type or illustrations from which metal plates can be cast. Also called mat².
b. A metal plate used for casting typefaces.
An electroplated impression of a phonograph record used to make duplicate records.