COEFFICIENT

In Algebra, a number or known quantity prefixed as a multiplier to a variable or an unknown quantity. Tlius, in the equation a xm + 6 6.rn = o, a is the multiplier or cocfiicicnt of j-m, and 66 is the coefficient oix^. When no number or coefficient is prefixed, unity or 1 is understood. See Equation. CCELACANTHIDvE. (Gr. xoiKoj, hollow, and ctxccyOos, 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 Ccelacanthtcs proper, belong to this family. [s. 256]