What does coefficient mean Meaning and Definition
What does coefficient mean
Pronunciation
/koˈefishənt/
Part of Speech
Noun, adjective, or numeral
Definition
A coefficient is a value or factor that is multiplied by another value or expression to get a desired result in mathematics, science, or engineering. It can also refer to the rank of a matrix or the number of occurrences of a particular symbol in a text.
Examples
- The coefficient of friction is a critical factor in determining the stability of a structure.
- The coefficient of variation measures the dispersion of a probability distribution.
Synonyms
- Factor
- Multplier
- Fraction
Antonyms
- Constant
- Ratio
Etymology
The word “coefficient” comes from the Latin “coefficientem,” meaning “co-factoring” or “co-effector,” and is derived from the Old French “coefficient,” which was used to describe a partner or companion in a joint venture.
Usage Notes
The term “coefficient” is commonly used in mathematics, physics, and engineering to describe a value that is multiplied by another value to get a desired result. In statistics, it refers to a measure of the spread or dispersion of a probability distribution.
Cultural References
The term “coefficient” has been featured in various movies, TV shows, and literature, often used as a term of art to describe complex mathematical concepts or equations.
Idiomatic Expressions or Phrases
No common idioms or phrases that include the term “coefficient” have been identified.
Related Words or Phrases
Related words and phrases include “factor,” “factorial,” “coefficient of friction,” “coefficient of variation,” and “coefficient of determination.”
Collocations
Common collocations with the term “coefficient” include “coefficient of,” “coefficient in,” and “coefficient for.”
Frequency of Use
The term “coefficient” is used frequently in technical and academic writing to describe complex mathematical concepts or equations, particularly in fields such as physics, engineering, and statistics.
Common Misspellings
Common misspellings of the term “coefficient” include “co-efficiency,” “co-efficient,” “co-effector,” and “co-factoring.”