COEFFICIENT

In Algebra, a number or known quantity prefixed as a multiplier to a variable or an unknown quantity. Thus, in the equation a am -j- G b X" =o, a is the multiplier or coefficient of jm, and 6 6 is the coefficientofxo. When no number or coefficient is prefixed, unity or 1 is understood. See Equation. COXACANTHIDjE. (Gr. koiXoc, Iiollmr, and aKavdos, a spine.) A family of Ganoid fishes in the system of Aga iz; so called on account of the species composing it being armed with hollow spines. The following interesting fo il genera, Holoptychius and Cal acanthus proper, belong to this family. Cffi' [s. 258]