释义 |
matrix \ˈmā.triks, -rēks sometimes ˈma.-\ noun (plural matri·ces \ˈmā.trəˌsēz or ˈma.- sometimes ˈma.trəsə̇z\ ; or matrix·es) Etymology: Latin, from matr-, mater mother 1. a. archaic : uterus b. : the intercellular substance of a tissue (as cartilage) c. : the thickened epithelium at the base of a fingernail or toenail from which new nail substance develops 2. a. : something (as a surrounding or pervading substance or element) within which something else originates or takes form or develops < an atmosphere of understanding and friendliness that is the matrix of peace > b. : a place or point of origin or growth : cradle < viewing the East as the matrix of civilization > 3. : a mass by which something is enclosed or in which something is embedded: as a. (1) : the natural material in which a fossil, metal, gem, crystal, or pebble is embedded (2) : gangue (3) : groundmass b. : an external lightly staining layer presumably composed of deoxyribonucleic acid and basic proteins that is held to surround the chromonemata of a fully differentiated chromosome 4. a. : a recessed mold from which a relief surface is cast: as (1) : strike 14 (2) : a brass character used in a typesetting machine; also : a comparable character used in a photocomposing machine (3) : a stereotype mold (4) : an electrotype mold b. : a hollow in a slab designed to receive a monumental brass c. : a hob used to form a punch from which a die for striking coins and medals is made d. : die 6a(1) e. : an engraved or inscribed die or stamp used in making the impression of a seal (as on wax or clay) f. : an electroformed impression of a phonograph record that is used for mass-producing duplicates of the original recording — see master matrix 5. a. : a foundation for inlaid or overlaid damascened work or for similar work b. : the principal constituent of an alloy c. (1) : a strip or band placed so as to serve as a retaining outer wall of a tooth in filling a cavity (2) : a metal or porcelain pattern in which an inlay is cast or fused 6. : a material used to bind together the materials in an agglomerated mass (as a cement used in briquetting coal dust or in making concrete) 7. : a gem stone cut from some stone (as opal or turquoise) and the surrounding natural material 8. : the substrate on or within which a fungus grows 9. : one of a class of rectangular arrays of mathematical elements (as the coefficients of simultaneous linear equations) that are subject to special algebraic laws < a matrix combines with numbers or other matrices > 10. in color photography : a positive photographic image that accepts dye differentially according to density and transfers the dye to make a final color print 11. a. : a propositional function in logic b. : truth table |