factorial

[ fak-tawr-ee-uhl, -tohr- ]

noun

1. Mathematics. the product of a given positive integer multiplied by all lesser positive integers: The quantity four factorial (4!) = 4 ⋅ 3 ⋅ 2 ⋅ 1 = 24. : n!, where n is the given integer.

adjective

1. Mathematics. of or relating to factors or factorials.
2. of or relating to a factor or a factory.

factorial

/ fækˈtɔːrɪəl /

noun

1. the product of all the positive integers from one up to and including a given integer. Factorial zero is assigned the value of one: factorial four is 1 × 2 × 3 × 4 . Symbol: n !, where n is the given integer

adjective

1. of or involving factorials or factors

factorial

/ făk-tôr′ē-əl /

1. The product of all of the positive integers from 1 to a given positive integer. It is written as the given integer followed by an exclamation point. For example, the factorial of 4 (written 4!) is 1 × 2 × 3 × 4, or 24.

Derived Forms

• facˈtorially, adverb

Other Words From

• fac·tori·al·ly adverb

Word History and Origins

Origin of factorial¹

First recorded in 1810–20; factor + -ial

Example Sentences

These phenomena demonstrate the existence of a complex interrelation between the factorial units.

From Project Gutenberg

In its place stands the factorial hypothesis, evolved by workers in America, England, and France at about the same time.

From Project Gutenberg

It is by no means unlikely that various dark forms of lubricipeda correspond with a progressive series of factorial additions.

From Project Gutenberg

The possible connections within it were factorial one hundred thousand.

From Project Gutenberg