ENGLISH
REFERENCE

matron

n. countable
C1 Advanced US //ˈmeɪtɹən// UK //mˈeɪtɹən// ma·tron

n. an older, married woman who is usually respected and has a serious manner. It can also mean a woman in charge of medical or living arrangements in a school or hospital.

n. a mature woman, typically married and of established social standing, often implying a dignified or motherly persona. In a professional context, refers to a female supervisor of domestic or medical affairs in an institution.


SIMPLE

The hospital matron makes sure everything is clean and organized.

CONTEXTUAL

The school matron was responsible for the health and well-being of all the students living in the dormitory.

COMPLEX

The committee was composed of several local matrons who had dedicated their retirement to preserving the town's historical architecture and traditions.

Origin

From Middle English matrone, from Old French matrone, from Latin mātrōna (“married woman”), from māter (“mother”). Doublet of matrona.

Usage

Commonly used in British English to refer to a senior nursing officer, though the term is becoming less frequent in modern clinical settings.

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