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 obstacles are lattice and thermal expansion coefficient mismatch between GaN and silicon, which generates threading dislocations during epitaxial growth. —Aditya Jadhav, Interesting Engineering, 8 June 2026

Paris Saint-Germain are up two places to third after securing their second successive Champions League victory, with a final victory over Arsenal — Mikel Arteta’s side, who recorded the highest cumulative coefficient points for 2025-26, are up five places to seventh. —Colin Millar, New York Times, 3 June 2026

By plotting the coefficients of the polynomial as a sort of heat map, the researchers have created striking visuals — an ornate hexagonal QR code for each knot. —Erica Klarreich, Quanta Magazine, 22 Apr. 2026

The Gini coefficient familiar to us from macroeconomics and developmental economics represents the degree of inequality in a distribution. —Vipin Bharathan, Forbes.com, 31 Mar. 2026

Word History

Etymology

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

First Known Use

1708, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Phrases Containing coefficient

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

Rhymes for coefficient

• deficient
• efficient
• omniscient
• proficient
• sufficient
• beneficent
• inefficient
• insufficient

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