Mā'trix, n.

n.; pl. MĀT'RI-CĒS. [Fr. & It. matrice, Sp. matriz, Lat. matrix, matricis, from mater, mother.] 1. (Anat.) The cavity in which the fetus of an animal is formed and nourished till its birth; the womb. All that openeth the matrix is mine. Ex. xxxiv. 19. 2. Hence, that which gives form or modifies any thing; as, (a.) (Mech.) The cavity in which any thing is formed, and which gives it shape; a mold; as, the matrix of a type. (b.) (Min.) The earthy or stony substance in which metallic ores or crystalline minerals are found; the gangue. Dana. (c.) (pl.) (Dyeing.) The five simple colors, black, white, blue, red, and yellow, of which all the rest are composed. (d.) (Osteology.) The forming organ from which the teeth proceed.