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 cold weather, voltage increases further due to the negative temperature coefficient, easily pushing systems over 1500 VDC.
—
Joern Hackbarth, Forbes.com, 24 July 2025
None of them are quite as stealthy as apple juice and none of their coefficients of stickiness exceed 70.
—Caleb Harris, Austin American Statesman, 2 July 2025
Anyway, the final substance that lands high on the coefficient of stickiness list is pancake syrup.
—Caleb Harris, Austin American Statesman, 2 July 2025
The top five nations in the association club coefficient rankings only have one team each in the competition, with all of them starting their involvement in the play-off round.
—Paul Taylor, New York Times, 29 May 2025
See All Example Sentences for coefficient
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Joern Hackbarth, Forbes.com, 24 July 2025
None of them are quite as stealthy as apple juice and none of their coefficients of stickiness exceed 70.
—Caleb Harris, Austin American Statesman, 2 July 2025
Anyway, the final substance that lands high on the coefficient of stickiness list is pancake syrup.
—Caleb Harris, Austin American Statesman, 2 July 2025
The top five nations in the association club coefficient rankings only have one team each in the competition, with all of them starting their involvement in the play-off round.
—Paul Taylor, New York Times, 29 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 2 Aug. 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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