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

In summary, the beta coefficients showed that a higher quality diet was associated with less pain and better physical function, with some effects being stronger in women and independent of adiposity or body fat. —New Atlas, 15 Dec. 2024

Aerodynamics play a major part in achieving the 450-mile range, as final tweaks to the design helped the model reach a sleek 0.24 coefficient of drag. —Michael Van Runkle, Robb Report, 10 Dec. 2024

In 2020, its Gini coefficient—economists´ preferred measure of income disparity—was 44.9 out of 100, higher than for most of the country’s upper-middle-income peers. —Andres Velasco, Foreign Affairs, 28 Sep. 2022

Pot one, for example, will consist of the nine clubs with the highest coefficient rankings, with the second pot having the next nine highest. —Dan Sheldon, The Athletic, 31 July 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