coefficient

noun

co·​ef·​fi·​cient ˌkō-ə-ˈfi-shənt How to pronounce coefficient (audio)
Synonyms of coefficientnext
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
Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to show current usage. Read More Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.
The final participants are divided into four pots of nine each based on the coefficient ranking system. — Encyclopedia Britannica, 20 Mar. 2026 By plotting the coefficients of the polynomial as a sort of heat map, the researchers have created striking visuals — an ornate hexagonal QR code for each knot. — Erica Klarreich, Quanta Magazine, 22 Apr. 2026 The obstacles are lattice and thermal expansion coefficient mismatch between GaN and silicon, which generates threading dislocations during epitaxial growth. — Aditya Jadhav, Interesting Engineering, 8 June 2026 First, the industry wants operational risk-capital slashed by capping the Business Indicator coefficient at a flat 12 percent, rather than the tiered 12/15/18 percent structure regulators proposed. — Mayra Rodriguez Valladares, Forbes.com, 19 June 2026 See All Example Sentences for coefficient

Word History

Etymology

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

First Known Use

1708, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Time Traveler
The first known use of coefficient was in 1708

Phrases Containing coefficient

Rhymes for coefficient

See All Rhymes for coefficient

Browse Nearby Words

coeff
coefficient
coefficient of compressibility
See all Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

“Coefficient.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/coefficient. Accessed 8 Jul. 2026.

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Kids Definition

coefficient

noun
co·​ef·​fi·​cient ˌkō-ə-ˈfish-ənt How to pronounce coefficient (audio)
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 How to pronounce coefficient (audio)
: 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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