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 reigning Champions League winners are the only club not seeded by coefficient, meaning Paris Saint-Germain will be first side drawn on Thursday. —Jack Bantock, New York Times, 27 Aug. 2025

The research team also pointed out that the strong physical correlation between capacity variability and three design parameters—solid-state diffusion coefficient, particle radius, and electrode thickness—during fast charging highlights their vital role in determining the degradation pathways. —Prabhat Ranjan Mishra, Interesting Engineering, 24 Aug. 2025

For example, there’s the negative temperature coefficient in most reactors. —Big Think, 14 Aug. 2025

He’s seen firsthand how severe the sector’s Gini coefficient has become. —Alexander Puutio, Forbes.com, 8 Aug. 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