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matrix
matrix A two-dimensional array. In computing, matrices are usually considered to be special cases of n-dimensional arrays, expressed as arrays with two indices. The notation for arrays is determined by the programming language. The two dimensions of a matrix are known as its rows and columns; a matrix with m rows and n columns is said to be an m×n matrix.
In mathematics (and in this dictionary), the conventional notation is to use a capital letter to denote a matrix in its entirety, and the corresponding lower-case letter, indexed by a pair of subscripts, to denote an element in the matrix. Thus the i,jth element of a matrix A is denoted by aij, where i is the row number and j the column number. A deficient two-dimensional array, in which one of the dimensions has only one index value (and is consequently elided), is a special kind of matrix known either as a row vector (with the column elided) or column vector (with the row elided). The distinction between row and column shows that the two dimensions are still significant. |
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JOHN DAINTITH. "matrix." A Dictionary of Computing. 2004. Encyclopedia.com. 27 May. 2012 <http://www.encyclopedia.com>. JOHN DAINTITH. "matrix." A Dictionary of Computing. 2004. Encyclopedia.com. (May 27, 2012). http://www.encyclopedia.com/doc/1O11-matrix.html JOHN DAINTITH. "matrix." A Dictionary of Computing. 2004. Retrieved May 27, 2012 from Encyclopedia.com: http://www.encyclopedia.com/doc/1O11-matrix.html |
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matrix
ma·trix / ˈmātriks/ • n. (pl. -tri·ces / ˈmātrisēz/ or -trix·es ) 1. an environment or material in which something develops; a surrounding medium or structure: free choices become the matrix of human life. ∎ a mass of fine-grained rock in which gems, crystals, or fossils are embedded. ∎ Biol. the substance between cells or in which structures are embedded. ∎ fine material: the matrix of gravel paths is raked regularly. 2. a mold in which something, such as printing type or a phonograph record, is cast or shaped. 3. Math. a rectangular array of quantities or expressions in rows and columns that is treated as a single entity and manipulated according to particular rules. ∎ an organizational structure in which two or more lines of command, responsibility, or communication may run through the same individual. |
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"matrix." The Oxford Pocket Dictionary of Current English. 2009. Encyclopedia.com. 27 May. 2012 <http://www.encyclopedia.com>. "matrix." The Oxford Pocket Dictionary of Current English. 2009. Encyclopedia.com. (May 27, 2012). http://www.encyclopedia.com/doc/1O999-matrix.html "matrix." The Oxford Pocket Dictionary of Current English. 2009. Retrieved May 27, 2012 from Encyclopedia.com: http://www.encyclopedia.com/doc/1O999-matrix.html |
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matrix
matrix in mathematics, a rectangular array of elements (e.g., numbers) considered as a single entity. A matrix is distinguished by the number of rows and columns it contains. The matrix
is a 2×3 (read "2 by 3" ) matrix, because it contains 2 rows and 3 columns. A matrix having the same number of rows as columns is called a square matrix. The matrix
is a 2×2 matrix, or square matrix of order 2; a square matrix of order n contains n rows and n columns. Definitions are made for certain operations with matrices; for example, a matrix may be multiplied by a number, and two matrices of the same order may be added or multiplied using an algebra of matrices that has been developed. Matrices find application in such fields as vector analysis and the solution of systems of linear equations by means of electronic computers.
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"matrix." The Columbia Encyclopedia, 6th ed.. 2011. Encyclopedia.com. 27 May. 2012 <http://www.encyclopedia.com>. "matrix." The Columbia Encyclopedia, 6th ed.. 2011. Encyclopedia.com. (May 27, 2012). http://www.encyclopedia.com/doc/1E1-matrix.html "matrix." The Columbia Encyclopedia, 6th ed.. 2011. Retrieved May 27, 2012 from Encyclopedia.com: http://www.encyclopedia.com/doc/1E1-matrix.html |
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matrix
matrix Lithologic or petrographic term denoting the interstitial material lying between larger crystals, fragments, or particles. It is the background material of small particles in which larger particles and fragments occur. The term is applied to sedimentary rocks; the igneous equivalent is groundmass, although ‘matrix’ is also commonly used of igneous rocks.
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AILSA ALLABY and MICHAEL ALLABY. "matrix." A Dictionary of Earth Sciences. 1999. Encyclopedia.com. 27 May. 2012 <http://www.encyclopedia.com>. AILSA ALLABY and MICHAEL ALLABY. "matrix." A Dictionary of Earth Sciences. 1999. Encyclopedia.com. (May 27, 2012). http://www.encyclopedia.com/doc/1O13-matrix.html AILSA ALLABY and MICHAEL ALLABY. "matrix." A Dictionary of Earth Sciences. 1999. Retrieved May 27, 2012 from Encyclopedia.com: http://www.encyclopedia.com/doc/1O13-matrix.html |
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matrix
matrix Rectangular array of numbers in rows and columns. The number of rows need not equal the number of columns. Matrices can be combined (added and multiplied) according to certain rules. They are useful in the study of transformations of co-ordinate systems and in solving sets of simultaneous equations.
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"matrix." World Encyclopedia. 2005. Encyclopedia.com. 27 May. 2012 <http://www.encyclopedia.com>. "matrix." World Encyclopedia. 2005. Encyclopedia.com. (May 27, 2012). http://www.encyclopedia.com/doc/1O142-matrix.html "matrix." World Encyclopedia. 2005. Retrieved May 27, 2012 from Encyclopedia.com: http://www.encyclopedia.com/doc/1O142-matrix.html |
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matrix
matrix uterus; place or medium of production XVI; enclosing mass; mould XVII. — L. mātrix, -īc- pregnant animal, female used for breeding, parent stem, (later) womb, register, f. māter, mātr- MOTHER1.
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T. F. HOAD. "matrix." The Concise Oxford Dictionary of English Etymology. 1996. Encyclopedia.com. 27 May. 2012 <http://www.encyclopedia.com>. T. F. HOAD. "matrix." The Concise Oxford Dictionary of English Etymology. 1996. Encyclopedia.com. (May 27, 2012). http://www.encyclopedia.com/doc/1O27-matrix.html T. F. HOAD. "matrix." The Concise Oxford Dictionary of English Etymology. 1996. Retrieved May 27, 2012 from Encyclopedia.com: http://www.encyclopedia.com/doc/1O27-matrix.html |
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matrix
matrix (in histology) The component of tissues (e.g. bone and cartilage) in which the cells of the tissue are embedded. See also extracellular matrix.
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"matrix." A Dictionary of Biology. 2004. Encyclopedia.com. 27 May. 2012 <http://www.encyclopedia.com>. "matrix." A Dictionary of Biology. 2004. Encyclopedia.com. (May 27, 2012). http://www.encyclopedia.com/doc/1O6-matrix.html "matrix." A Dictionary of Biology. 2004. Retrieved May 27, 2012 from Encyclopedia.com: http://www.encyclopedia.com/doc/1O6-matrix.html |
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matrix
matrix (may-triks) n. the substance of a tissue or organ in which more specialized structures are embedded.
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"matrix." A Dictionary of Nursing. 2008. Encyclopedia.com. 27 May. 2012 <http://www.encyclopedia.com>. "matrix." A Dictionary of Nursing. 2008. Encyclopedia.com. (May 27, 2012). http://www.encyclopedia.com/doc/1O62-matrix.html "matrix." A Dictionary of Nursing. 2008. Retrieved May 27, 2012 from Encyclopedia.com: http://www.encyclopedia.com/doc/1O62-matrix.html |
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matrix
matrix •admix, affix, commix, fix, Hicks, intermix, MI6, mix, nix, Nyx, pix, Pnyx, prix fixe, pyx, Ricks, six, Styx, transfix, Wicks
•Aquarobics • radix • appendix
•crucifix • suffix • Alex • calyx
•Felix, helix
•kylix • Horlicks • prolix • spondulicks
•hydromechanics • phoenix
•Ebonics, onyx
•mechatronics • sardonyx
•Paralympics • semi-tropics
•subtropics • Hendrix
•dominatrix, matrix
•administratrix • oryx • tortrix
•executrix • Beatrix • cicatrix
•Essex, Wessex
•kinesics • coccyx • Sussex
•informatics, mathematics
•Dianetics • geopolitics • bioethics
•cervix • astrophysics • yikes
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"matrix." Oxford Dictionary of Rhymes. 2007. Encyclopedia.com. 27 May. 2012 <http://www.encyclopedia.com>. "matrix." Oxford Dictionary of Rhymes. 2007. Encyclopedia.com. (May 27, 2012). http://www.encyclopedia.com/doc/1O233-matrix.html "matrix." Oxford Dictionary of Rhymes. 2007. Retrieved May 27, 2012 from Encyclopedia.com: http://www.encyclopedia.com/doc/1O233-matrix.html |
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