coefficient
UK: ˌkəʊɪˈfɪʃ(ə)nt | US: ˌkoʊɪˈfɪʃ(ə)nt
n. a numerical or constant factor in a term of an algebraic expression (e.g., 3 in 3x²).
n. a multiplier or measure of a specific property or relationship in physics, mathematics, or statistics.
coefficient = co<together> + efficient<producing>
- co: Prefix meaning "together" or "jointly" (from Latin com-).
- efficient: Root derived from Latin efficiens (present participle of efficere "to accomplish"), combining ex- (out) + facere (to do/make). Here, it implies "producing" or "acting."
Etymology Origin:
The term emerged in 17th-century mathematics, blending co- (jointly) with efficient (producing an effect). It originally described collaborative forces in physics, later specializing to denote multipliers in equations. The logic reflects how coefficients "work together" with variables to quantify relationships.
The coefficient of friction determines how easily the object slides.
In the equation 5y, 5 is the coefficient.
Higher coefficients indicate stronger correlations in the data.
The material’s thermal expansion coefficient was measured.
Adjusting the coefficient improved the model’s accuracy.