noun
plural mats
[count] a small piece of material used to cover the floor or ground
a small piece of material used to protect the surface of a table
a thick pad that is used as a soft surface for some activities (such as wrestling, gymnastics, yoga, etc.)
a thick mass of something that is stuck or twisted together - usually + of
go to the mat
chiefly US informal :to make a lot of effort to do something :to try very hard at something
US