divisor

[ dih-vahy-zer ]

noun

, Mathematics.

1. a number by which another number, the dividend, is divided.
2. a number contained in another given number a certain integral number of times, without a remainder.

divisor

/ dɪˈvaɪzə /

noun

1. a number or quantity to be divided into another number or quantity (the dividend)
2. a number that is a factor of another number

divisor

/ dĭ-vī′zər /

1. A number used to divide another. In the equation 15 ÷ 3 = 5, 3 is the divisor.

Word History and Origins

Origin of divisor¹

1425–75; late Middle English < Latin dīvīsor, one who divides, equivalent to dīvīd- (variant stem of dīvidere to divide ) + -tor -tor

Example Sentences

When mixed with a divisor, such manures are diluted, made less active, and consequently less injurious.

From Project Gutenberg

Retaining the same dividend, we try as a divisor the polls for which a county will answer in 1377.

From Project Gutenberg

In arithmetic operations it holds the addend, subtrahend, multiplicand, or divisor.

From Project Gutenberg

Therefore, 179 is the divisor we want, which always leaves a remainder 164 in the case of the original numbers given.

From Project Gutenberg

Totitive, tot′i-tiv, n. a number less than another having with it no common divisor but unity.

From Project Gutenberg