Definition of coefficient
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
2a : a number that serves as a measure of some property or characteristic (as of a substance, device, or process) coefficient of expansion of a metalb : measure
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Examples of coefficient in a Sentence
5 is the coefficient of y in the term 5y.
the metal's coefficient of expansion
Recent Examples of coefficient from the Web
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An analysis of the 120-day correlation between WTI crude oil and European high yield credit shows that the coefficient has been steadily declining over the past year.
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Underbody covers, an aerodynamic rear bumper bottom spoiler and an extended trunk edge contribute to a low coefficient of drag.
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While no children have resulted from the union of the Scarlet Witch and Quicksilver, this would have resulted in an astonishingly high inbreeding coefficient of 25 percent, similar to a Pharaoh.
These example sentences are selected automatically from various online news sources to reflect current usage of the word 'coefficient'. Views expressed in the examples do not represent the opinion of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.
Origin and Etymology of coefficient
New Latin coefficient-, coefficiens, from Latin co- + efficient-, efficiens efficient
First Known Use: circa 1715
COEFFICIENT Defined for English Language Learners
coefficient
playDefinition of coefficient for English Language Learners
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mathematics : a number by which another number or symbol is multiplied
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physics : a number that is used to measure some property or characteristic of a substance
Medical Dictionary
coefficient
playMedical Definition of coefficient
: 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
Learn More about coefficient
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See words that rhyme with coefficient Spanish Central: Translation of coefficient Nglish: Translation of coefficient for Spanish speakers Britannica English: Translation of coefficient for Arabic speakers Britannica.com: Encyclopedia article about coefficient
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