coefficient

noun

co·​ef·​fi·​cient ˌkō-ə-ˈfi-shənt How to pronounce coefficient (audio)
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

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
Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to show current usage. Read More Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.
Now remember, the frictional force is the normal force times the coefficient of friction (Ff = μN). Rhett Allain, WIRED, 20 Sep. 2024 Quartz is a chemically very stable mineral with an extremely low coefficient of thermal expansion. David Bressan, Forbes, 31 Oct. 2024 Predictability measures how closely that history tracks an exponential line (the statistician’s coefficient of determination), with a penalty for missing years. William Baldwin, Forbes, 21 Sep. 2024 However, understanding the impact of pricing decisions is impossible without true elasticity coefficients. Aleksandr Galkin, Forbes, 12 Sep. 2024 See all Example Sentences for coefficient 

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

Time Traveler
The first known use of coefficient was circa 1715

Dictionary Entries Near coefficient

Cite this Entry

“Coefficient.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/coefficient. Accessed 2 Dec. 2024.

Kids Definition

coefficient

noun
co·​ef·​fi·​cient ˌkō-ə-ˈfish-ənt How to pronounce coefficient (audio)
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 How to pronounce coefficient (audio)
: 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
Last Updated: - Updated example sentences
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