coefficient

/ˌkoʊɪˈfɪʃənt/
noun
  1. A number or symbol that multiplies a variable in an algebraic expression, such as 3 in 3x.
    • The teacher explained how to find the coefficient in a polynomial.
    • A coefficient can be a fraction, like 1/2 in 1/2y.
    • In the equation 5x + 2, the coefficient of x is 5.
  2. A number that measures a property or relationship, especially in science or statistics.
    • Engineers use a safety coefficient when designing bridges.
    • The coefficient of friction determines how much force is needed to move an object.
    • A high correlation coefficient means two things are strongly related.
adjective
  1. Relating to or being a coefficient.
    • The coefficient value changed when we added more data.
    • They calculated the coefficient ratio for the experiment.
    • The coefficient term in the formula is important.
What does "coefficient" mean? | whatsthatwordmean | whatsthatwordmean