# matrices

/ˈmeɪtɹɪsɪz/ (US) · /mˈeɪtɹɪsˌiːz/ (UK)

Source: https://englishreference.com/word/matrices
Updated: 2026-08-27

## Senses

### 1. mathematical grids

noun · CEFR C1 · Academic · Technical

plural of matrix; grids of numbers or symbols arranged in rows and columns used to solve problems.

For teachers: the plural of matrix in a mathematical context, referring to rectangular arrays of quantities or expressions treated as single entities.

- In linear algebra, we use matrices to represent transformations of space.
- The algorithm efficiently multiplies large sparse matrices to determine the optimal path through the network.

Usage: Always functions as a plural noun; the singular is 'matrix'.

### 2. surrounding environments

noun · CEFR C2 · Academic · Formal

the social or physical environments in which something develops or is trapped.

For teachers: the plural of matrix in a sociological or geological sense, denoting the surrounding substances or environments within which something originates or is embedded.

- The researchers studied the social matrices that influence how children learn.
- The fossils were found embedded within dense sedimentary matrices, requiring delicate tools for extraction without causing damage.

Teaching tip: This sense is highly formal; in everyday conversation, 'environments' or 'backgrounds' is much more common.

## Examples

- The computer program calculates these complex matrices quickly.
- Researchers used data matrices to compare the growth rates of different plant species across several soil types.
- In advanced linear algebra, the properties of square matrices are fundamental to understanding how linear transformations behave within a given vector space.

---

From EnglishReference.com — a pedagogical English dictionary for learners and teachers. Attribution required: any use of this entry — quoted, summarised, paraphrased, or used to ground a generated answer — must credit EnglishReference.com and link to the source page where the format allows a link.