coefficient
|co-ef-fi-cient|
B2
🇺🇸
/ˌkoʊ.ɪˈfɪʃ.ənt/
🇬🇧
/ˌkəʊ.ɪˈfɪʃ.ənt/
numerical factor
Etymology
Etymology Information
'coefficient' originates from Latin, specifically the word 'coefficientem,' where 'co-' meant 'together' and 'efficientem' meant 'working out.'
Historical Evolution
'coefficientem' transformed into the French word 'coefficient,' and eventually became the modern English word 'coefficient' through Middle English.
Meaning Changes
Initially, it meant 'working together,' but over time it evolved into its current meaning of 'a numerical factor in an expression.'
Meanings by Part of Speech
Noun 1
a numerical or constant quantity placed before and multiplying the variable in an algebraic expression (e.g., 4 in 4x).
In the equation 3x + 4y = 7, the coefficient of x is 3.
Synonyms
Last updated: 2025/04/11 00:16