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

Therefore, the Galois group acts on these solutions as the identity operation, and that’s why picks up the trace of the identity matrix, 2, as its coefficient. — Quanta Magazine, 9 Sep. 2026

The metric that matters most is solar heat gain coefficient (SHGC). — Ryan Brennan, Fort Worth Star-Telegram, 1 Sep. 2026

But the friction coefficient is now far greater in one direction. — Daniel Immerwahr, New Yorker, 31 Aug. 2026

The rating also includes the solar heat gain coefficient (SHGC) and visible transmittance (VT), both numbers between 0 and 1. — Nafeesah Allen, Better Homes & Gardens, 7 July 2026

Word History

Etymology

New Latin coefficient-, coefficiens, from Latin co- + efficient-, efficiens efficient

First Known Use

1708, 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

• deficient
• efficient
• omniscient
• proficient
• sufficient
• beneficent
• inefficient
• insufficient

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