-trix

1. a suffix occurring in loanwords from Latin, where it formed feminine nouns or adjectives corresponding to agent nouns ending in -tor ( Bellatrix ). On this model, -trix is used in English to form feminine nouns ( aviatrix; executrix ) and geometrical terms denoting straight lines ( directrix ).

-trix

suffix forming nouns

1. indicating a feminine agent, corresponding to nouns ending in -tor

   executrix

Gender Note

A suffix borrowed directly from Latin, -trix has been used since the 15th century on feminine agent nouns that correspond to a masculine (in Latin) or generic (in English) agent noun ending in -tor: aviator, aviatrix; legislator, legislatrix; orator, oratrix. Most nouns in -trix have dropped from general use, so that terms like aviatrix, benefactrix, legislatrix, oratrix, and proprietrix occur rarely or not at all in present-day English. The forms in -tor are applied to both men and women: Her sister is the proprietor of a new restaurant. When relevant, gender is specified with the generic term: Amelia Earhart was a pioneer woman aviator. Legal documents still use administratrix, executrix, inheritrix, and the like, but these forms too are giving way to the -tor forms. -enne, -ess, -ette.

Word History and Origins

Origin of -trix¹

From Latin -trīx, stem -trīc-

Word History and Origins

Origin of -trix¹

from Latin

Example Sentences

Father is going away too, and of course I couldn't leave the mater and Trix.

From Project Gutenberg

Girls nowadays think it chic to affect fads, but Trix is no more a 'new woman' than I am a winged saint.

From Project Gutenberg

She saw the Dowager's paint t'other day, and asked her why she wore that red stuff—didn't you, Trix?

From Project Gutenberg

Trix will never stop at home; mother's in love with you,—yes, I think mother's in love with you.

From Project Gutenberg

You can't help being handsome, Trix; no more can the Prince help following you.

From Project Gutenberg