coherent Meaning, Definition & Usage

  1. adjective marked by an orderly, logical, and aesthetically consistent relation of parts
    ordered; consistent; logical.
    • a coherent argument
  2. adjective satellite capable of thinking and expressing yourself in a clear and consistent manner
    lucid; logical.
    • a lucid thinker
    • she was more coherent than she had been just after the accident
  3. adjective (physics) of waves having a constant phase relation
  4. adjective satellite sticking together
    tenacious.
    • two coherent sheets
    • tenacious burrs

WordNet

Co*her"ent adjective
Etymology
L. cohaerens, p. pr. See Cohere.
Definitions
  1. Sticking together; cleaving; as the parts of bodies; solid or fluid. Arbuthnot.
  2. Composed of mutually dependent parts; making a logical whole; consistent; as, a coherent plan, argument, or discourse.
  3. Logically consistent; -- applied to persons; as, a coherent thinker. Watts.
  4. Suitable or suited; adapted; accordant. Obs.
    Instruct my daughter how she shall persever, That time and place, with this deceit so lawful, May prove coherent. Shak.

Webster 1913