Coefficient of Thermal Expansion (CTE):

How much a material shape will change for each degree of temperature change.

Under thermal load, a material will change shape proportional to the amount of temperature change multiplied by
its coefficient of thermal expansion. The coefficient of themal expansion indicates how much a material shape
will change for each degree of temperature change.

For example, under 100°F increase in temperature, a 100 in. long bar expands the following amount...

http://www.owenscorning.com/owens/composites/about/glossary/cte.html

The coefficient of linear thermal expansion is obtained according to the ASTM D-696 standard, using a quartz tube dilatometer
(Figure C-1). A specimen is prepared and placed at the bottom of the outer dilatometer tube, with the inner dilatometer tube resting
on the specimen. The digital indicator, firmly attached to the outer tube, is in contact with the top of the inner tube and indicates
variations in the length of the specimen with changes in temperature.

http://www.actech.com/lab_info/cte_test.html

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