View synonyms for factor

factor

[ fak-ter ]

Phonetic (Standard)IPA

noun

one of the elements contributing to a particular result or situation:
Poverty is only one of the factors in crime.
Mathematics. one of two or more numbers, algebraic expressions, or the like, that when multiplied together produce a given product; a divisor:
6 and 3 are factors of 18.
Biochemistry. any of certain substances necessary to a biochemical or physiological process, especially those whose exact nature and function are unknown.
a business organization that lends money on accounts receivable or buys and collects accounts receivable.
a person who acts or transacts business for another; an agent.
an agent entrusted with the possession of goods to be sold in the agent's name; a merchant earning a commission by selling goods belonging to others.
a person or business organization that provides money for another's new business venture; one who finances another's business.
factor of production.
Scot. the steward or bailiff of an estate.

verb (used with object)

Mathematics. to express (a mathematical quantity) as a product of two or more quantities of like kind, as 30 = 2·3·5, or x 2 − y 2 = ( x + y ) ( x − y ). Compare expand ( def 4a ).
to act as a factor for.

verb (used without object)

to act as a factor.

verb phrase

to include as an essential element, especially in forecasting or planning:
You must factor insurance payments into the cost of maintaining a car.

factor

/ ˈfæktə /

noun

an element or cause that contributes to a result
maths
1. one of two or more integers or polynomials whose product is a given integer or polynomial
  2 and 3 are factors of 6
2. an integer or polynomial that can be exactly divided into another integer or polynomial
  1, 2, 3, and 6 are all factors of 6
foll by identifying numeral med any of several substances that participate in the clotting of blood
factor VIII
a person who acts on another's behalf, esp one who transacts business for another
commerce a business that makes loans in return for or on security of trade debts
former name for a gene
commercial law a person to whom goods are consigned for sale and who is paid a factorage
(in Scotland) the manager of an estate

verb

intr to engage in the business of a factor

factor

/ făk′tər /

Noun

One of two or more numbers or expressions that are multiplied to obtain a given product. For example, 2 and 3 are factors of 6, and a + b and a − b are factors of a ² − b ².
A substance found in the body, such as a protein, that is essential to a biological process. For example, growth factors are needed for proper cell growth and development.

Verb

To find the factors of a number or expression. For example, the number 12 can be factored into 2 and 6, or 3 and 4, or 1 and 12.

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Usage

Factor (sense 1) should only be used to refer to something which contributes to a result. It should not be used to refer to a part of something such as a plan or arrangement; instead a word such as component or element should be used

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Derived Forms

ˈfactorable, adjective
ˌfactoraˈbility, noun
ˈfactorˌship, noun

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Other Words From

factor·a·ble adjective
factor·a·bili·ty noun
factor·ship noun
sub·factor noun
under·factor noun
un·factor·a·ble adjective
un·factored adjective

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Word History and Origins

Origin of factor¹

First recorded in 1400–50; late Middle English facto(u)r, from Latin factor “maker, perpetrator,” equivalent to fac(ere) “to make, do” + -tor agent noun suffix; -tor

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Word History and Origins

Origin of factor¹

C15: from Latin: one who acts, from facere to do

Related Words

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