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
These polynomials can be represented by their coefficients alone, which form a string of zeros and ones.
—
Kevin Hartnett, Quanta Magazine, 6 May 2024
People are voting with their feet, and this is the hollowing out of the middle class that puts us on track to maintain our high Gini coefficient — income inequality.
—Phillip Molnar, San Diego Union-Tribune, 29 Mar. 2024
See all Example Sentences for coefficient 
Kevin Hartnett, Quanta Magazine, 6 May 2024
People are voting with their feet, and this is the hollowing out of the middle class that puts us on track to maintain our high Gini coefficient — income inequality.
—Phillip Molnar, San Diego Union-Tribune, 29 Mar. 2024
See all Example Sentences for coefficient
These examples are programmatically compiled from various online sources to illustrate current usage of the word 'coefficient.' Any opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback about these examples.
Dictionary Entries Near coefficient
Cite this Entry
“Coefficient.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/coefficient. Accessed 29 May. 2024.
Copy CitationKids 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
Love words? Need even more definitions?
Merriam-Webster unabridged
Share