Main Entry: fac·tion

Pronunciation: \ˈfak-shən\

Function: noun

Etymology: Middle French & Latin; Middle French, from Latin faction-, factio act of making, faction — more at fashion

Date: 1509

1 : a party or group (as within a government) that is often contentious or self-seeking : clique
2 : party spirit especially when marked by dissension

— fac·tion·al \-shnəl, -shə-n^əl\ adjective

— fac·tion·al·ism \-shnə-ˌli-zəm, -shə-nə-ˌliz-\ noun

— fac·tion·al·ly \-ē\ adverb