Coefficient

Coefficient
Coefficient Co`ef*fi"cient, n. 1. That which unites in action with something else to produce the same effect. [1913 Webster]

2. [Cf. F. coefficient.] (Math.) A number or letter put before a letter or quantity, known or unknown, to show how many times the latter is to be taken; as, 6x; bx; here 6 and b are coefficients of x. [1913 Webster]

3. (Physics) A number, commonly used in computation as a factor, expressing the amount of some change or effect under certain fixed conditions as to temperature, length, volume, etc.; as, the coefficient of expansion; the coefficient of friction. [1913 Webster]

{Arbitrary coefficient} (Math.), a literal coefficient placed arbitrarily in an algebraic expression, the value of the coefficient being afterwards determined by the conditions of the problem. [1913 Webster]


The Collaborative International Dictionary of English. 2000.

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  • coefficient — [ kɔefisjɑ̃ ] n. m. • déb. XVIIe; de co et efficient 1 ♦ Math. Nombre par lequel est multipliée une grandeur. Coefficient de proportionnalité. Valeur affectée d un coefficient. Chacun des nombres par lesquels sont multipliées les puissances de la …   Encyclopédie Universelle

  • coefficient — of expansion coefficient of friction coefficient of rolling resistance aligning torque coefficient aligning stiffness coefficient braking force coefficient braking stiffness coefficient braking traction coefficient camber stiffness coefficient …   Mechanics glossary

  • coefficient — UK US /ˌkəʊɪˈfɪʃənt/ noun [C] ► in mathematics, a value that appears in front of and multiplies another value: »In 2x + 4y = 7, 2 is the coefficient of x. ► a number or a method of calculating a number that measures the characteristics of a… …   Financial and business terms

  • Coëfficient — (lat.), jeder Ausdruck, in welchem nichts von dem, was als Hauptgröße in einem Gliede angesehen wird, vorkommt, u. womit diese Hauptgröße multiplicirt ist. Wo die letztere keinen C. hat, ist 1 als solcher anzusehen. Je nachdem in einem Gliede die …   Pierer's Universal-Lexikon

  • coefficient — [kō΄ə fish′ənt] n. [ CO + EFFICIENT: orig. an adj. meaning “cooperating”] 1. a factor that contributes to produce a result 2. Math. a number or algebraic symbol prefixed as a multiplier to a variable or unknown quantity (Ex.: x in x(y+z),6 in… …   English World dictionary

  • Coefficient — Co ef*fi cient, a. Co[ o]perating; acting together to produce an effect. {Co ef*fi cient*ly}, adv. [1913 Webster] …   The Collaborative International Dictionary of English

  • Coëfficient — Coëfficient, in der Mathematik eine Größe, womit eine andere multiplicirt wird …   Herders Conversations-Lexikon

  • coefficient — COEFFICIENT. s. m. Terme d Algèbre. On appelle ainsi Le nombre ou la quantité connue qui est au devant d une quantité algébrique, et qui la multiplie …   Dictionnaire de l'Académie Française 1798

  • coefficient — also co efficient, 1660s (adj.), from CO (Cf. co ) + EFFICIENT (Cf. efficient). As a noun, from c.1600, probably influenced by Mod.L. coefficiens, which was used in mathematics in 16c., introduced by French mathematician François Viète (1540… …   Etymology dictionary

  • coefficient — ► NOUN 1) Mathematics a quantity placed before and multiplying the variable in an algebraic expression (e.g. 4 in 4x2). 2) Physics a multiplier or factor that measures some property …   English terms dictionary

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