Matrix
Matrix (plural matrices) has several meanings. Generally speaking, a matrix is something that provides support or structure, especially in the sense of surrounding and/or shaping. It comes from the Latin word for "womb", which itself derived from the Latin word for "mother", which is mater. Various disciplines use the term "matrix" with differing meanings:
- In mathematics, a matrix is a rectangular table of data.
- The movie, The Matrix.
- In William Gibson's The Sprawl novels, the Matrix is the 3D next-generation internet.
- In biology the word matrix is used for the material between animal or plant cells, or generally the material (or "tissue") in which more specialized structures are embedded, and also specifically for one part of the mitochondrion. See biological matrix.
- As an acronym, MATRIX is the Multistate Anti-Terrorism Information Exchange.
- In geology, the outer material of a rock consisting of larger grains embedded in a material consisting of smaller ones. is called a geological matrix.
- In archaeology, the matrix is the sediment surrounding and including the artifacts, features, and other materials at an archaeological site. See archeological matrix.
- In cosmetics, Matrix is a hair-care company owned by L'Oréal.
- In the kind of printing which involves setting type, a matrix (often called a "mat") is a mold for shaping the letters. See printing matrix
- In sound recording, a matrix can refer to a disc in the early stages of processing a record for mass production. See sound recording matrix
- In music matrices are used in the visualization of all permutations or forms of a tone row or set in music written using the twelve tone technique or serialism. See musical matrix. See also: musical set theory, equal temperament.
- In the British science fiction television series Doctor Who, the Matrix is an advanced computer network and a virtual reality environment first featured in the 1976 serial The Deadly Assassin.
- In transportation, the MATRIX is an automobile produced by Hyundai
- The Matrix is also a group of music producers who have worked with singers such as Avril Lavigne and Liz Phair.
- The Matrix is also the nickname of NBA player Shawn Marion.
- In the fictional universe of the Transformers, an object of massive power typically held by the Autobot leader. See Autobot Matrix of Leadership.
- In organisational theory a MATRIX is a style of organisation which encourages cross departmental co-operation rather than a strict hierarchy.
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