If you have ever second-guessed yourself on what the plural form of matrix was and also wanted to learn more about the word, it’s grammar, it’s history, and plenty of examples of it used in a sentence, this article is practically made for you!
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According to the English dictionary Merriam-Webster.com, the word matrix (pronounced may-trix or meɪtrɪks) has these definitions and uses.
something within or from which something else originates, develops, or takes form
an atmosphere of understanding and friendliness that is the matrix of peace
mold from which a relief surface (such as a piece of type) is made
an engraved or inscribed die or stamp
an electroformed impression of a phonograph record used for mass-producing duplicates of the original
the natural material (such as soil or rock) in which something (such as a fossil or crystal) is embedded
material in which something is enclosed or embedded (as for protection or study)
the extracellular substance in which tissue cells (as of connective tissue) are embedded
the thickened epithelium at the base of a fingernail or toenail from which new nail substance develops
a rectangular arrangement of numbers and mathematical elements (such as the coefficients of simultaneous linear equations) that can be combined to form sums and products with similar arrays having an appropriate number of rows and columns
something resembling a determinant mathematical matrix especially in a rectangular array of numbers into rows and columns like a dot matrix
an array of circuit elements (such as diodes and transistors) for performing a specific function
There is actually two plural forms of the word matrix. Both are correct but just have different spellings, one sticking closer to the mother language of the word and one that is derived from a more naturalized English version. Matrixes is the modern English version and matrices is the plural form from the Latin word.
The History and Origin of the Word
According to Wiktionary, the word was first used back in the age 1555. The word matrix was used back then by the definition “something within or from which something else originates, develops, or takes form” based on default settings.
From the Latin language we have the etymology matr and mater which became matrix. The Latin definition is a female animal used for breeding, parent plant. It was also found in French as matrice pronounced “matris.”
Synonyms of Matrix From a Thesaurus
Mold – a hollow form or matrix for shaping a fluid or plastic substance
Cast – to shape (metal or other material) by pouring it into a mold while molten
Die – to make of a definite fineness, and convert into coins, as a mass of metal
Frame – the rigid supporting structure of an object such as a vehicle, building, or piece of furniture
Form – the visible shape or configuration of something
Casting – the craft of making statues
Model – a three-dimensional representation of someone or something, typically on a smaller scale
Pattern – a repeated decorative design
Plate – a thin, flat sheet or strip of metal or other material, typically one used to join or strengthen things or forming part of a machine
Example Sentences of the Word in Context
In total, 18 coils sit in a matrix on the panel — kind of like a bunch of hexagons connected.
The panel also demanded Morales draft community policing standards, develop a discipline matrix to clarify how officers are disciplined and draft a policy requiring officers to wear face masks during the pandemic.
This led us to the Nest Ethical Handcraft Program, which uses a matrix of over 100 standards to determine fair wages, safe working environments, and representation in decision-making for artisans.
Her organization’s Return to Learn Committee of school employees across the state had created a four-part matrix to guide decisions for the school year.
Still, strategists David Choi and Joseph Briggs acknowledged that opening schools in some states could be even more damaging, leaving local officials to navigate a complex matrix of decisions.
Experts are seeing a new matrix of business and personal relationships around which regional agriculture could grow, post-pandemic, and ultimately advocate for its own interests, Saul Elbein writes for Nat Geo.
With all these different category headings, now you are no doubt an expert on using the correct plural form of the word matrix in the English Language and hopefully also took away a lot more about the word. Next time you are writing a paper or doing your homework you can confidently use the correct plural form. I hope that you also took away some interesting knowledge/factoids about matrix today.
Kevin Miller is a growth marketer with an extensive background in Search Engine Optimization, paid acquisition and email marketing. He is also an online editor and writer based out of Los Angeles, CA. He studied at Georgetown University, worked at Google and became infatuated with English Grammar and for years has been diving into the language, demystifying the do's and don'ts for all who share the same passion! He can be found online here.
Kevin
October 29, 2020
The Plural of...
