coefficient

co·ef·fi·cient

noun \ˌkō-ə-ˈfi-shənt\

Definition of COEFFICIENT

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

1. 5 is the coefficient of y in the term 5y.
2. the metal's coefficient of expansion

Origin of COEFFICIENT

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

First Known Use: circa 1715

Rhymes with COEFFICIENT

cost-efficient, inefficient, insufficient, self-sufficient