R factor

noun

1. a genetic component of some bacteria that provides resistance to antibiotics and can be transferred from one bacterium to another by conjugation.

Word History and Origins

Origin of R factor¹

1960–65; r(esistance) factor

Example Sentences

Jason R. Factor, an attorney at Cleary Gottlieb Steen & Hamilton who advises private-equity firms, said, "I personally would be careful about using a ratio as high as nine to one," because an aggressive valuation can "create issues" in any kind of IRS audit.

From Wall Street Journal