mātrix, īcis, f. [mater], 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.