mat 
/ˈmæt/ noun
plural mats /ˈmæt/ noun [count] 1 a : a small piece of material used to cover the floor or ground
▪ Be sure to wipe your dirty feet on the mat [=doormat] before you enter the house. — see also bath mat, welcome mat
b : a small piece of material used to protect the surface of a table
▪ She set the hot plate on the mat. — see also place mat, table mat
c : a thick pad that is used as a soft surface for some activities (such as wrestling, gymnastics, yoga, etc.) 2 : a thick mass of something that is stuck or twisted together — usually + of ▪ a thick mat of vegetation/hair
▪ Be sure to wipe your dirty feet on the mat [=doormat] before you enter the house. — see also bath mat, welcome mat
b : a small piece of material used to protect the surface of a table
▪ She set the hot plate on the mat. — see also place mat, table mat
c : a thick pad that is used as a soft surface for some activities (such as wrestling, gymnastics, yoga, etc.)
go to the mat
chiefly US, informal : to make a lot of effort to do something : to try very hard at something
▪ They went to the mat to protect the program. ▪ She'll go to the mat for you. [=she will do everything she can to help you]
▪ They went to the mat to protect the program. ▪ She'll go to the mat for you. [=she will do everything she can to help you]
