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

Their individual coefficients are lower than 20 per cent of the overall English coefficient – so Newcastle and Forest are assigned that 20 per cent figure instead. —Chris Weatherspoon, New York Times, 16 May 2025

Quarter-final opponents Legia Warsaw lie fifth in the Polish Ekstraklasa this season and sit 71st in UEFA’s club coefficient rankings. —Liam Twomey, New York Times, 9 Apr. 2025

The top four will automatically qualify for the Champions League, while England is highly likely to secure an additional fifth slot due to the Premier League’s healthy coefficient. —Chris Waugh, The Athletic, 18 Mar. 2025

Three points separate them and Manchester City in fifth — a position that would be enough for a 2025-26 Champions League spot based on the latest UEFA coefficient standings. —Mark Carey, New York Times, 28 Mar. 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