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Original · left

Matrix (mathematics)

First in use: c. 1850
Duplicate · right

The Matrix

First in use: c. 1999

Matrix / Matrix (mathematics) / The Matrix

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Duplicate share · 12 mo—
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Colour keyGrey · original meaningGreen · duplicate meaningAmber · contested (40–60%)How colours work

Sylvester's arrays vs. red pill, blue pill.

Which meaning of Matrix is the original, and which one is the duplicate riding on its name? Matrix (mathematics) came first (c. 1850). The Matrix arrived in 1999. The data below shows which one owns the word now.

Wikipedia pageviews since 2015

Matrix (mathematics)The Matrix
English Wikipedia pageviews since July 2015 load here.

Duplicate's share of attention

Green line = duplicate's % · above 60 it owns the word · below 40 the original does

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The case for each meaning

Sourced definitions, usage stats and quotes

Original · c. 1850

Matrix (mathematics)

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Duplicate · c. 1999

The Matrix

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