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 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

Last season Germany’s Bundesliga and Italy’s Serie A came top of the seasonal coefficient rankings, allowing Borussia Dortmund and Bologna access to the continent’s most prestigious competition in 2024-25. —James Pearce, The Athletic, 24 Feb. 2025

Virus Power With one of the lowest heat exchange coefficients, the suit shields the rider from burns during a long slide in addition to keeping out ambient heat. —New Atlas, 27 Feb. 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