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
In this context, an important indicator is the research effectiveness coefficient (RQ), which measures the effectiveness of investments in research and development by production volume.
—
Dmitrii Khasanov, Forbes.com, 16 May 2025
Skid resistance is typically quantified by measuring a coefficient of friction between the tire and the pavement surface.
—Baoshan Huang, The Conversation, 8 May 2025
Ranked 104 places above their Turkish opponents in the UEFA club coefficient, Slavia Prague are taking part in the competition for an eleventh successive season, reaching the quarter-finals in 2016, 2018 and 2019.
—Asif Burhan, Forbes, 17 Sep. 2024
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
See All Example Sentences for coefficient
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Dmitrii Khasanov, Forbes.com, 16 May 2025
Skid resistance is typically quantified by measuring a coefficient of friction between the tire and the pavement surface.
—Baoshan Huang, The Conversation, 8 May 2025
Ranked 104 places above their Turkish opponents in the UEFA club coefficient, Slavia Prague are taking part in the competition for an eleventh successive season, reaching the quarter-finals in 2016, 2018 and 2019.
—Asif Burhan, Forbes, 17 Sep. 2024
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
See All Example Sentences for coefficient
Cite this Entry
“Coefficient.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/coefficient. Accessed 1 Jun. 2025.
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
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