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mātrix , īcis, f. id.,
I.a mother in respect to propagation (in lit. signif. not used of women).
I. Lit., a breeding-animal: of breeding-cows, Varr. R. R. 2, 5, 12; of breeding-ewes, Col. 7, 3, 12; of laying-hens, id. 8, 2, 6; 8, 5, 11.—
B. Transf.
1. Of plants, the parent-stem, Suet. Aug. 94.—
2. The womb, matrix (late Lat.): “matricis dolor,” Veg. Vet. 2, 17, 5; Sen. Contr. 2, 13, 6.—
3. A public register, list, roll: “in matricibus beneficiariorum,” Tert. Fug. in Persec. 12.—
II. Trop., a source, origin, cause (cf. mater, II.; “eccl. Lat.): Eva matrix generis feminini,” the progenitress, Tert. Virg. Vel. 5: “primordialis lex data Adae, quasi matrix omnium praeceptorum Dei,” id. adv. Jud. 2; id. adv. Haer. 21: “matrix et origo cunctorum,” id. adv. Valent. 7.—As an appellation of Venus, Inscr. Orell, 1373.
A Latin Dictionary. Founded on Andrews' edition of Freund's Latin dictionary. revised, enlarged, and in great part rewritten by. Charlton T. Lewis, Ph.D. and. Charles Short, LL.D. Oxford. Clarendon Press. 1879.

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  • Cross-references in general dictionaries from this page (4):
    • Suetonius, Divus Augustus, 94
    • Columella, Res Rustica, 7.3.12
    • Columella, Res Rustica, 8.2.6
    • Columella, Res Rustica, 8.5.11
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