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 = 235, or x 2 − y 2 = (x +y ) (x − y ).

2. to act as a factor for.

verb (used without object)

1. to act as a factor.

verb phrase

1. factor in / into,  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

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.

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

Other Word Forms

• factorable adjective
• factorability noun
• factorship noun
• subfactor noun
• underfactor noun
• unfactorable adjective
• unfactored 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

Previously, corporations had the choice of paying California tax based on their share of sales in the state or, alternatively, a formula that factored more heavily their in-state payroll and property.

Read more on The Wall Street Journal

According to the NIH, multiple genetic and environmental factors interact in complex ways over decades.

Read more on The Wall Street Journal

Just move the coffee table—unless you want to factor ER copays into the price.

Read more on The Wall Street Journal

The team also sees potential uses in clinical settings, such as studying natural aging or detecting exposure to radiation or other mutagenic factors.

Read more on Science Daily

"We decide independently of any factor, and that is how it should be. Israel is responsible for its own security," he said.

Read more on Barron's

Related Words

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