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Original · left

Matrix (substance)

An organic environment, geological mold, or surrounding substance within which something develops.

First in use: ancient / pre-modern
Duplicate · right

Matrix (mathematics)

A two-dimensional rectangular numerical array processed via linear algebra to calculate weights, vectors, and embeddings.

First in use: c. 1850

Matrix / Matrix (substance) / Matrix (mathematics)

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

The womb-word vs. linear algebra.

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

Wikipedia pageviews since 2015

Matrix (substance)Matrix (mathematics)
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 · ancient / pre-modern

Matrix (substance)

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Duplicate · c. 1850

Matrix (mathematics)

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