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 odd
2 : a substance that acts with another substance to bring about certain effects; especially : coenzyme
3 : something (as diet or a virus) that acts with or aids another factor in causing disease