COEFFICIENT

coefficient

(noun) a constant number that serves as a measure of some property or characteristic

Source: WordNet® 3.1

Etymology

Adjective

coefficient (comparative more coefficient, superlative most coefficient)

cooperating

Noun

coefficient (plural coefficients)

(mathematics) A constant by which an algebraic term is multiplied.

A number, value or item that serves as a measure of some property or characteristic.

Hyponyms

• (a number, value or item that serves as a measure of some property or characteristic): coefficient of friction

Source: Wiktionary

Co`ef*fi"cient, a.

Definition: Coöperating; acting together to produce an effect. Co`ef*fi"cient*ly, adv.

Co`ef*fi"cient, n.

1. That which unites in action with something else to produce the same effect.

2. Etym: [Cf. F. coefficient.] (Math.)

Definition: A number or letter put before a letter or quantity, known or unknown, to show how many times the latter is to be taken; as, 6x; bx; here 6 and b are coefficients of x.

3. (Physics)

Definition: A number, commonly used in computation as a factor, expressing the amount of some change or effect under certain fixed conditions as to temperature, length, volume, etc.; as, the coefficient of expansion; the coefficient of friction. Arbitrary coefficient (Math.), a literal coefficient placed arbitrarily in an algebraic, expression, the value of the coefficient being afterwards determined by the conditions of the problem.

Source: Webster’s Unabridged Dictionary 1913 Edition