coefficient

American  

[koh-uh-fish-uhnt] / ˌkoʊ əˈfɪʃ ənt /

noun

1. Mathematics. a number or quantity placed (generally) before and multiplying another quantity, as 3 in the expression 3x.

2. Physics. a number that is constant for a given substance, body, or process under certain specified conditions, serving as a measure of one of its properties.

   coefficient of friction.

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adjective

1. acting in consort; cooperating.

coefficient British  

/ ˌkəʊɪˈfɪʃənt /

noun

1. maths

   1. a numerical or constant factor in an algebraic term

      the coefficient of the term 3xyz is 3

   2. the product of all the factors of a term excluding one or more specified variables

      the coefficient of x in 3axyz is 3ayz

2. physics a value that relates one physical quantity to another

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coefficient Scientific  

/ kō′ə-fĭsh′ənt /

1. A number or symbol multiplied with a variable or an unknown quantity in an algebraic term. For example, 4 is the coefficient in the term 4 x, and x is the coefficient in x (a + b).

2. A numerical measure of a physical or chemical property that is constant for a system under specified conditions. The speed of light in a vacuum, for example, is a constant.

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Other Word Forms

Derived Forms

• coefficiently
  adverb

Etymology

Origin of coefficient

First recorded in 1655–65, coefficient is from the New Latin word coefficient- (stem of coefficiēns ). See co-, efficient

Explanation

In math and science, a coefficient is a constant term related to the properties of a product. In the equation that measures friction, for example, the number that always stays the same is the coefficient. In plain English, coefficient means "joining together to produce a result." Sometimes people use the word to talk about social phenomena, like the coefficient factors of vanity and self-loathing in a celebrity's alcoholic demise. But mostly you'll encounter it in math and science. In algebra, the coefficient is the number that you multiply a variable by, like the 4 in 4x=y. In chemistry, when you see a number in front of a chemical like 2H2o, you're looking at the coefficient.

Related Words

• collegial
• concerted
• coordinated
• harmonious
• interdependent
• reciprocal
• symbiotic
• united