Coefficient usually refers to "numerical coefficient", even though the term has a broader definition.

A numerical coefficient is a constant multiplier of the variables in a term.

• In the term -5x²y, the numerical coefficient is -5.
• In the expression ax² + bx + c, the numerical coefficient of the x² term is "a" and the numerical coefficient of the x term is "b". "c" is properly referred to as the constant term.

A coefficient (in general) is any of the factors of a term relative to a given factor of the term.

• In the term -5x²y, the coefficient of "y" is -5x².
• In the term -5x²y, the coefficient of "x²" is -5y.
• In the term -5x²y, the coefficient of "x²y" is -5.