The word matrix (plural matrices, or less commonly, matrixes) 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, and was the term for a female animal used for breeding, or a parent plant. Various disciplines use the term "matrix" with differing meanings:

Sciences

• In mathematics, a matrix is a rectangular table of data.
• In computer programming, a matrix is a 2-dimensional array.
• 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.
• 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.

Technology

• In composite materials, a matrix is used to bind together (generally harder, more brittle) fibers or aggregate particles. It is the component used to resist shear stresses. Portland cement is the matrix for most concrete, and epoxy is often the matrix for carbon fiber composites.
• 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

Names, acronyms and trademarks

• In the cosmetics and beauty industry, Matrix is a division of the L'Oréal Group. Matrix offers products for hair coloring, hair styling, and hair care. It is also the leading brand for hair salon professionals.
• As an acronym, MATRIX is the Multistate Anti-Terrorism Information Exchange.
• In transport, the Matrix is an automobile produced by Toyota. In Europe, the trademark is used by Hyundai for the Korean Hyundai Lavita .
• In organisational theory a MATRIX is a style of organisation which encourages cross departmental co-operation rather than a strict hierarchy.
• The Matrix (music producer) is 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.
• Matrix Law is the legal cabinet of Cherie Booth-Blair.
• In the Mainframe Entertainment series, ReBoot Enzo Matrix is one of the characters.

Arts, literature and movies

• The movie, The Matrix.
• In Montreal, Canada, Matrix is a literary magazine.
• In William Gibson's The Sprawl novels and the role-playing game Shadowrun, the Matrix is the 3D next-generation internet.
• 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 the animated series and comic the Transformers, the Matrix is an object of massive power typically held by the Autobot leader. See Autobot Matrix of Leadership.
• In the animated series Gargoyles, the Matrix is the name of the collective intelligence of a mass of nanotechnology that is so advanced that it gains an artificial intelligence and threatens a gray goo crisis until the former enemy, Dingo, partially joins with it to teach it about human society and thus keep it occupied constructively.
• In music, especially folk and popular music, a matrix is an element of variations which does not change. In the twelve tone technique a matrix is used to visualize all permutations of a tone row.