Definition of 'factor'
Word forms: plural, 3rd person singular present tense factors
, present participle factoring
, past tense, past participle factored
2. countable noun [usually singular]
3. singular noun
4. countable noun
A factor of a whole number is a smaller whole number which can be multiplied with another whole number to produce the first whole number.
[technical]Phrasal verbs:
See factor in
Collins COBUILD Advanced Learner’s Dictionary. Copyright © HarperCollins Publishers
British English pronunciation
American English pronunciation
You may also like
Word Frequency
factor in British English
noun
1.
an element or cause that contributes to a result
2. mathematics
a.
one of two or more integers or polynomials whose product is a given integer or polynomial
2 and 3 are factors of 6
b.
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) medicine
any of several substances that participate in the clotting of blood
factor VIII
6. former name for a gene
verb
▶ 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 usedCollins English Dictionary. Copyright © HarperCollins Publishers
Derived forms
factorable (ˈfactorable) adjective
factorability (ˌfactoraˈbility)
noun
factorship (ˈfactorˌship)
noun
Word origin
C15: from Latin: one who acts, from facere to do
Word Frequency
factor in American English
(ˈfæktər)
noun
1.
one of the elements contributing to a particular result or situation
Poverty is only one of the factors in crime
2. Math
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, esp. 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.
8. See factor of production
transitive verb
10. Math
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 (sense 4a)11.
to act as a factor for
Most material © 2005, 1997, 1991 by Penguin Random House LLC. Modified entries © 2019
by Penguin Random House LLC and HarperCollins Publishers Ltd
Derived forms
factorable adjective
factorability
noun
factorship
noun
Word origin
[1400–50; late ME facto(u)r ‹ L factor maker, perpetrator, equiv. to fac(ere) to make, do + -tor -tor]Examples of 'factor' in a sentence
factor
These examples have been automatically selected and may contain sensitive content that does not reflect the opinions or policies of Collins, or its parent company HarperCollins.
We welcome feedback: report an example sentence to the Collins team. Read more…
Trends of
factor
View usage for:
Source: Google Books Ngram Viewer
In other languages
factor
British English: factor
NOUN /ˈfæktə/
A factor is one of the things that affects an event, decision, or situation.
Physical activity is an important factor in maintaining fitness.
Browse alphabetically
factor
Source
Definition of factor from the Collins English Dictionary
Read about the team of authors behind Collins Dictionaries.
Quick word challenge
Quiz Review
Question: 1
-
Score: 0 / 5
PETS
Drag the correct answer into the box.
pony
rabbit
parrot
goldfish
PETS
Drag the correct answer into the box.
canary
goldfish
ferret
budgerigar
PETS
Drag the correct answer into the box.
tortoise
hamster
goldfish
cat
Your score:
Latest Word Submissions
Collins English Dictionary Apps
Download our English Dictionary apps - available for both iOS and Android.
Read more
Collins Dictionaries for Schools
Our new online dictionaries for schools provide a safe and appropriate environment for children. And best of all it's ad free, so sign up now and start using at home or in the classroom.
Read more
Word lists
We have almost 200 lists of words from topics as varied as types of butterflies, jackets, currencies, vegetables and knots!
Amaze your friends with your new-found knowledge!
Read more
Quick word challenge
Quiz Review
Question: 1
-
Score: 0 / 5
BIRDS
Drag the correct answer into the box.
pheasant
puffin
buzzard
barn owl
BIRDS
Drag the correct answer into the box.
puffin
starling
eagle
thrush
Your score:
Learning English: Days of the week
Learn how to discuss what happens on different days of the week, whether you want to make plans for the day or talk about weekly routines.
Read more
Learning English: Going shopping
Discover some useful English expressions to use while you're out at the shops in this week's Learning English blog.
Read more
Sting-Nettle Day
We're taking a closer look at the intriguing expressions and customs that have grown up around one of the most versatile plants out there - the stinging nettle.
Read more
Learning English: Saying goodbye
Learn informal ways to say goodbye in British English - from 'Goodbye' to 'See ya!' with examples and tips for everyday use.
Read more
Collins English Dictionary Apps
Download our English Dictionary apps - available for both iOS and Android.
Read more
Collins Dictionaries for Schools
Our new online dictionaries for schools provide a safe and appropriate environment for children. And best of all it's ad free, so sign up now and start using at home or in the classroom.
Read more
Word lists
We have almost 200 lists of words from topics as varied as types of butterflies, jackets, currencies, vegetables and knots!
Amaze your friends with your new-found knowledge!
Read more