Lewis & Short

mātrix, īcis, f. [mater], a mother in respect to propagation (in lit. signif. not used of women).

  1. 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.
    1. B. Transf.
      1. 1. Of plants, the parent-stem, Suet. Aug. 94.
      2. 2. The womb, matrix (late Lat.): matricis dolor, Veg. Vet. 2, 17, 5; Sen. Contr. 2, 13, 6.
      3. 3. A public register, list, roll: in matricibus beneficiariorum, Tert. Fug. in Persec. 12.
  2. 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.