factor

[ fak-ter ]

noun

1. one of the elements contributing to a particular result or situation:

   Poverty is only one of the factors in crime.

2. 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.

3. Biochemistry. any of certain substances necessary to a biochemical or physiological process, especially those whose exact nature and function are unknown.
4. a business organization that lends money on accounts receivable or buys and collects accounts receivable.
5. a person who acts or transacts business for another; an agent.
6. 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.
7. a person or business organization that provides money for another's new business venture; one who finances another's business.
8. factor of production.
9. Scot. the steward or bailiff of an estate.

verb (used with object)

1. 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 ).
2. to act as a factor for.

verb (used without object)

1. to act as a factor.

verb phrase

1. 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

1. an element or cause that contributes to a result
2. 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

3. foll by identifying numeral med any of several substances that participate in the clotting of blood

   factor VIII

4. a person who acts on another's behalf, esp one who transacts business for another
5. commerce a business that makes loans in return for or on security of trade debts
6. former name for a gene
7. commercial law a person to whom goods are consigned for sale and who is paid a factorage
8. (in Scotland) the manager of an estate

verb

1. intr to engage in the business of a factor

factor

/ făk′tər /

Noun

1. 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.
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

1. 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.

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

Derived Forms

• ˈfactorable, adjective
• ˌfactoraˈbility, noun
• ˈfactorˌship, noun

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

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

Word History and Origins

Origin of factor¹

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

Example Sentences

Jarmond also secured a new deal with Jordan Brand and Nike that pays significantly less than the Under Armour arrangement but has been praised by athletes for the quality and cool factor of the new products.

From Los Angeles Times

Like rumors, sometimes the connection is true, sometimes it’s totally false, and sometimes it’s been deeply complicated by some other factor that didn’t make it into your groupchat.

From Slate

While violence and persecution and economic opportunity remain the primary drivers pushing migrants into the U.S., the evidence increasingly also points to climate change as a growing factor.

From Salon

Although it has since moderated, inflation remains a key issue for voters, with many citing dissatisfaction with rising prices as a factor in their support for Trump.

From Salon

“Other studies I’ve done have found that the most important factor that explains why a structure is destroyed in a fire is the location of the house.”

From Los Angeles Times

Related Words

• aspect
• cause
• circumstance
• component
• consideration
• element
• influence
• ingredient
• part
• point
• thing