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

After all, there were five Italian teams in the Champions League this season, a reward for finishing first in the UEFA coefficient. —James Horncastle, New York Times, 10 June 2025

Specifically, your function has to be a polynomial—a combination of variables raised to whole-number exponents and multiplied by coefficients. —Stephen Ornes, Wired News, 27 Apr. 2025

Unlike most clubs, which qualify by winning continental titles, the Bundesliga side secured its spot through UEFA's four-year coefficient rankings, rewarding consistency and excellence over time. —Kilty Cleary, MSNBC Newsweek, 17 June 2025

After all, wins in games against top teams like Portugal improve the FIFA coefficient standings and increase the chance of an easier group at the 2026 FIFA World Cup in North America. —Manuel Veth, Forbes.com, 4 June 2025

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

Rhymes for coefficient

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

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