- (
mathematics 数学 an arrangement of numbers, symbols, etc. in rows and columns, treated as a single quantity 矩阵 - (formal)
the formal social, political, etc. situation from which a society or person grows and develops （人或社会成长发展的）社会环境，政治局势 the European cultural matrix 欧洲文化的发源地
- (formal or literary)
a system of lines, roads, etc. that cross each other, forming a series of squares or shapes in between 线路网；道路网 a matrix of paths 纵横交错的小路
- (specialist)
a mould in which something is shaped 基体；铸模 - (
computing 计算机 a group of electronic circuit elements arranged in rows and columns like a grid 矩阵转接电路 - (
geology 地质学 a mass of rock in which minerals, precious stones, etc. are found in the ground 杂基
Word Originlate Middle English (in the sense ‘womb’): from Latin, ‘breeding female’, later ‘womb’, from mater, matr- ‘mother’.