coefficient
/ˌkəʊɪˈfɪʃ(ə)nt
/noun
1 Mathematics A numerical or constant quantity placed before and multiplying the variable in an algebraic expression (e.g. 4 in 4xy).He extended the applications of the operational method to linear ordinary differential equations with variable coefficients....
- The problem was to find the roots by adding, subtracting, multiplying, dividing and taking roots of expressions in the coefficients.
- Hermite had posed the problem of finding the minimal values of quadratic forms in n variables whose coefficients were real.
2 Physics A multiplier or factor that measures a particular property: the drag coefficient...
- The drag coefficient combines several ballistic properties of typical projectiles.
- This measure of a material's elasticity is called its coefficient of restitution.
- The shading coefficient is the measure of solar heat gain through the window.
Origin
Mid 17th century (in the sense 'cooperating to produce a result'): from modern Latin coefficient-, from com- 'together' + efficient- 'accomplishing' (see efficient).
Rhymes
- micronise
- micronization
- micronize
- micronizer
- micronodular
- micronuclear
- micronucleus
- micronutrient
- micro-opaque
- micro-operation
- micro-operative
- micro-order
- micro-organic
- microorganism
- microorganismal
- micro-oven
- micro-ovening
- micropaedia
- microparticle
- micro party
- micropayment
- micropegmatite
- micropegmatitic
- microperthite
- microperthitic