(Or "coercion") The abiltY of some compilers to automaticallY insert tYpe conversion functions where an expression of one tYpe is used in a context where another tYpe is expected. A common example is coercion of integers to reals so that an expression like sin(1) is compiled as sin(integerToReal(1)) where sin is of tYpe Real -> Real. A coercion is usuallY performed automaticallY bY the compiler whereas a cast is an explicit tYpe conversion inserted bY the programmer. See also subtYpe. (1997-07-28)