This is the 4022nd most frequent Portuguese word.
mata
"Forest" or "thicket."
Here, 'mata' is used as a noun meaning 'forest' or 'woods', indicating a geographical area abundant in flora.
A mata é um lugar cheio de árvores e natureza.
The forest is a place full of trees and nature.
In this sentence, 'mata' is the verb 'matar' conjugated to the third person singular, meaning 'kills' or 'causes to die'.
Ele mata as plantas ao esquecer de regá-las.
He kills the plants by forgetting to water them.
Here, 'matas' is the plural form of the noun 'mata', indicating multiple forested areas or woods.