coefficient

noun

co·​ef·​fi·​cient ˌkō-ə-ˈfi-shənt 

1

: any of the factors of a product considered in relation to a specific factor

especially : a constant factor of a term as distinguished from a variable

2

a

: a number that serves as a measure of some property or characteristic (as of a substance, device, or process)

coefficient of expansion of a metal

b

: measure

Examples of coefficient in a Sentence

5 is the coefficient of y in the term 5y.

the metal's coefficient of expansion

Recent Examples on the Web

The first coefficient ends up capturing the size of the denominators ruled out by the first fraction; the second coefficient captures the size of the denominators ruled out by the second fraction; and so on. —Erica Klarreich, Quanta Magazine, 8 Jan. 2025

As things stand, that would be enough via the present UEFA coefficient to secure Champions League football for 2025-26, but Newcastle are looking up and hunting down those above them rather than merely defending their own position. —Chris Waugh, The Athletic, 4 Jan. 2025

The higher the absolute value of the beta coefficient, the stronger the effect of diet quality on the outcome. —New Atlas, 15 Dec. 2024

Photo : Lucid Motors The EPA range estimate of 450 miles is owed in part to a design that gives the Gravity a 0.24 coefficient of drag. —Michael Van Runkle, Robb Report, 10 Dec. 2024

Word History

Etymology

New Latin coefficient-, coefficiens, from Latin co- + efficient-, efficiens efficient

First Known Use

circa 1715, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Phrases Containing coefficient

• binomial coefficient
• coefficient of correlation
• coefficient of viscosity
• correlation coefficient
• drag coefficient
• extinction coefficient

Kids Definition

coefficient

noun

co·​ef·​fi·​cient ˌkō-ə-ˈfish-ənt 

1

: a number or symbol by which another number or symbol (as a mathematical variable) is multiplied

3 is the coefficient of x in the expression 3x

2

: a number that serves as a measure of some property (as of a substance or device)

the metal's coefficient of expansion

Medical Definition

coefficient

noun

co·​ef·​fi·​cient ˌkō-ə-ˈfish-ənt 

: a number that serves as a measure of some property (as of a substance) or characteristic (as of a device or process) and that is commonly used as a factor in computations

the coefficient of expansion of a metal

see absorption coefficient