coefficient

Meanings

1. 1
   noun

   mathematics: a number or other constant that multiplies a variable or algebraic term

   In the expression 5x squared, 5 is the coefficient of x squared.

2. 2
   noun

   a numerical measure of a property or of the relationship between quantities

   The coefficient of friction is lower on wet ice.

From French coefficient, influenced by New Latin coefficiens, the present participle of coefficere ("to work together; produce jointly"), from co- + efficere. The mathematical term is associated with Francois Viete's algebra: a coefficient works together with a variable to determine a term's value.

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