Word
coefficient
Phoneticsco·ef·fi·cient, stress on the third syllable
US/ˌkoʊəˈfɪʃənt/
UK/kˌəʊɪfˈɪʃənt/
Definitions
01math multiplier
C1 · Advanced Countable noun Mathematics Academic · Technical
n. a number that you multiply a variable by in a math problem.
n. a constant factor by which an algebraic term or variable is multiplied.
“In the equation 5x, the number 5 is the coefficient of x.”
“The student struggled to isolate the variable because they had incorrectly identified the negative coefficient during the first step of the calculation.”
Usage
Usually placed immediately before the variable it modifies.
Teaching tip
While common in algebra, this is a high-level academic word that students will mostly encounter in STEM contexts.
Synonyms
02scientific measure
C1 · Advanced Countable noun Science Academic · Technical
n. a number that measures a specific quality of a material or process.
n. a numerical value or ratio that serves as a measure of a specific physical property or characteristic under defined conditions.
“The coefficient of friction tells us how easily an object slides on a surface.”
“Engineers must calculate the expansion coefficient of the metal to ensure the bridge can withstand extreme temperature fluctuations without warping.”
Usage
Often used in the pattern 'coefficient of [property]'.
Teaching tip
In this context, the word describes a fixed physical property rather than a variable multiplier.
Collocations
Common phrases and expressions where native English speakers use the word “coefficient” in context.
Adjective
01. negative coefficient
“A negative coefficient in the model suggests that as price increases, demand for the product tends to decrease.”
adj + noun
02. positive coefficient
“The positive coefficient indicates a direct correlation between the amount of study time and the final exam scores.”
adj + noun
Real-World Examples
“The maximum condensation heat transfer coefficient, which measures a surface's ability to transfer heat, reached approximately 88 kW·m -2 ·K -1 .” “The researchers found a characteristic λ-shaped anomaly in the material's thermal expansion coefficient near 1,590 Kelvin, a signature of phase transitions that has also been observed in other superionic materials.” Etymology
From French coefficient. Coined by French mathematician François Viète. Or influenced by (New) Latin coefficient-, which is the stem of coefficiens, which is a substantivation of the present active participle of coefficio, which comes from co- and efficio.
Etymology adapted from Wiktionary, available under CC BY-SA 4.0.
Domain
- Exam level
- CambridgeCambridgeCambridge English QualificationsThe exam suite from Cambridge University Press & Assessment, from A1 Movers up to C2 Proficiency. The benchmark names double as CEFR labels.C1 AdvancedIELTSIELTSInternational English Language Testing SystemThe 0–9 band test co-owned by the British Council, IDP, and Cambridge. Used for university entry, work, and migration.7.0–8.0TOEFL iBTTOEFL iBTTest of English as a Foreign Language, Internet-Based TestETS's academic English test, the standard route for US university admissions. Scored 0–120, with a 1–6 scale since 2026.1–6 scale: 5.0–5.595–113TOEICTOEICTest of English for International CommunicationETS's workplace English test, big in Japan and Korea. Listening & Reading scores 10–990 and tops out at C1.945–990
- Frequency
- Frequent
- Level
- C1 · Advanced
- Updated
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englishreference.com/q/coefficient