coefficient

noun co·ef·fi·cient \ˌkō-ə-ˈfi-shənt\

mathematics : a number by which another number or symbol is multiplied

physics : a number that is used to measure some property or characteristic of a substance

Full Definition of COEFFICIENT

: 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

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

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Origin of COEFFICIENT

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

First Known Use: circa 1715

Rhymes with COEFFICIENT

cost-efficient, inefficient, insufficient, self-sufficient

Medical Dictionary

coefficient

noun co·ef·fi·cient \ˌkō-ə-ˈfish-ənt\

Medical Definition of COEFFICIENT

: 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