nLab
coequalizer

In a category C a diagram of morphisms of C

UbaVcXU \underoverset{b}{a}{\rightrightarrows} V \overset{c}{\rightarrow} X

is called a coequalizer diagram if

  1. ca=cb; and
  2. c is universal for this property: i.e. if f:VY is a morphism of C such that fa=fb, then there is a unique morphism f:XY such that fc=f.

This concept is a special case of that of colimit; specifically, its the colimit of the diagram

UbaV.U \underoverset{b}{a}{\rightrightarrows} V .