Matric
/ˈmeɪ.trɪk/noun
An informal term, especially in Southern Africa, for a matriculation examination or the final year of secondary school.
Did you know?Matric comes through Latin matricula, “public roll” or “register,” whose diminutive form was linked to matrix, meaning “womb” or “source.”
Etymological Timeline
Proto-Indo-European
PIE
*méh₂tēr
“Mother; the ancestral root behind words for motherhood across Indo-European languages.”
Classical Latin
Latin
matrix
“Womb; also a source, mold, or originating substance.”
Classical Latin
Latin
matricula
“A little matrix; a register, public roll, or official list.”
Medieval Latin
Latin
matriculare
“To enroll or enter a person’s name into an official register.”
16th Century
English
matriculate
“To enroll formally, especially in a university or institution.”
20th Century
English
matric
“An informal shortening of matriculation, especially for a final secondary-school examination or year.”