Definition of coefficient in English:
coefficient
noun ˌkəʊɪˈfɪʃ(ə)ntˌkoʊəˈfɪʃənt
1Mathematics
A numerical or constant quantity placed before and multiplying the variable in an algebraic expression (e.g. 4 in 4xy).
Example sentencesExamples
- Hermite had posed the problem of finding the minimal values of quadratic forms in n variables whose coefficients were real.
- Montel also investigated the relation between the coefficients of a polynomial and the location of its zeros in the complex plane.
- The problem was to find the roots by adding, subtracting, multiplying, dividing and taking roots of expressions in the coefficients.
- The coefficients on the age variable in the models of organization-environment fit may then approach zero.
- He extended the applications of the operational method to linear ordinary differential equations with variable coefficients.
2Physics
A multiplier or factor that measures a particular property.
Example sentencesExamples
- The shading coefficient is the measure of solar heat gain through the window.
- Where can I get a list of friction coefficients for different materials?
- The drag coefficient combines several ballistic properties of typical projectiles.
- This measure of a material's elasticity is called its coefficient of restitution.
- It follows that hydrophobic organic compounds have high adsorption coefficients and high bioaccumulation factors.
Origin
Mid 17th century (in the sense 'cooperating to produce a result'): from modern Latin coefficient-, from com- 'together' + efficient- 'accomplishing' (see efficient).
Rhymes
efficient, proficient, sufficient
Definition of coefficient in US English:
coefficient
nounˌkoʊəˈfɪʃəntˌkōəˈfiSHənt
1Mathematics
A numerical or constant quantity placed before and multiplying the variable in an algebraic expression (e.g. 4 in 4xy).
Example sentencesExamples
- Hermite had posed the problem of finding the minimal values of quadratic forms in n variables whose coefficients were real.
- Montel also investigated the relation between the coefficients of a polynomial and the location of its zeros in the complex plane.
- The problem was to find the roots by adding, subtracting, multiplying, dividing and taking roots of expressions in the coefficients.
- He extended the applications of the operational method to linear ordinary differential equations with variable coefficients.
- The coefficients on the age variable in the models of organization-environment fit may then approach zero.
2Physics
A multiplier or factor that measures some property.
coefficients of elasticity
Example sentencesExamples
- This measure of a material's elasticity is called its coefficient of restitution.
- Where can I get a list of friction coefficients for different materials?
- The drag coefficient combines several ballistic properties of typical projectiles.
- The shading coefficient is the measure of solar heat gain through the window.
- It follows that hydrophobic organic compounds have high adsorption coefficients and high bioaccumulation factors.
Origin
Mid 17th century (in the sense ‘cooperating to produce a result’): from modern Latin coefficient-, from com- ‘together’ + efficient- ‘accomplishing’ (see efficient).