prime factor

[ prahym fak-ter ]

noun

1. a prime number that is a factor of another number:

   The prime factors of 18 are 2 and 3.

verb (used with or without object)

1. Sometimes prime-factor to resolve (a number) into the prime numbers that are its factors:

   This short video shows how to prime factor a number using a tree diagram.

adjective

1. Sometimes prime-factor relating to or involving prime factors:

   Write out the prime factor expansion for each of the following numbers.

Other Words From

• prime fac·to·rize prime-fac·to·rize verb

Word History and Origins

Origin of prime factor¹

First recorded in 1725–35

Example Sentences

Early bad habits may be the prime factor in this distressing and humiliating difficulty.

From Project Gutenberg

Tragic and blood-stained is her history, and this tragedy, perhaps, has been a prime factor in the evolution of her men of worth.

From Project Gutenberg

Instinct is a base, a prime factor, part of the matrix of personality.

From Project Gutenberg

The anti-slavery party used the case of the "Martyr" Smith as a watchword, and it was a prime factor in hurrying on emancipation.

From Project Gutenberg

All her lonely days she had longed for it, and in all her girlish dreams it had been the prime factor.

From Project Gutenberg