factor
one of the elements contributing to a particular result or situation: Poverty is only one of the factors in crime.
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.
Biochemistry. any of certain substances necessary to a biochemical or physiological process, especially those whose exact nature and function are unknown.
a business organization that lends money on accounts receivable or buys and collects accounts receivable.
a person who acts or transacts business for another; an agent.
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.
a person or business organization that provides money for another's new business venture; one who finances another's business.
Scot. the steward or bailiff of an estate.
Mathematics. to express (a mathematical quantity) as a product of two or more quantities of like kind, as 30 = 2·3·5, or x2 − y2 = (x + y) (x − y).: Compare expand (def. 4a).
to act as a factor for.
to act as a factor.
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.
Origin of factor
1Other words from factor
- 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
Dictionary.com Unabridged Based on the Random House Unabridged Dictionary, © Random House, Inc. 2024
British Dictionary definitions for factor
/ (ˈfæktə) /
an element or cause that contributes to a result
maths
one of two or more integers or polynomials whose product is a given integer or polynomial: 2 and 3 are factors of 6
an integer or polynomial that can be exactly divided into another integer or polynomial: 1, 2, 3, and 6 are all factors of 6
(foll by identifying numeral) med any of several substances that participate in the clotting of blood: factor VIII
a person who acts on another's behalf, esp one who transacts business for another
commerce a business that makes loans in return for or on security of trade debts
former name for a gene
commercial law a person to whom goods are consigned for sale and who is paid a factorage
(in Scotland) the manager of an estate
(intr) to engage in the business of a factor
Origin of factor
1usage For factor
- See also factor in
Derived forms of factor
- factorable, adjective
- factorability, noun
- factorship, noun
Collins English Dictionary - Complete & Unabridged 2012 Digital Edition © William Collins Sons & Co. Ltd. 1979, 1986 © HarperCollins Publishers 1998, 2000, 2003, 2005, 2006, 2007, 2009, 2012
Scientific definitions for factor
[ făk′tər ]
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 a2 - b2.
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.
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.
The American Heritage® Science Dictionary Copyright © 2011. Published by Houghton Mifflin Harcourt Publishing Company. All rights reserved.
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