Main Entry:

co·fac·tor

Pronunciation:

\ˈkō-ˌfak-tər\

Function:

noun

Date:

1885

1: the signed minor of an element of a square matrix or of a determinant with the sign positive if the sum of the column number and row number of the element is even and with the sign negative if it is odd2: a substance that acts with another substance to bring about certain effects ; especially : coenzyme3: something (as diet or a virus) that acts with or aids another factor in causing disease