factor

noun fac·tor \ ˈfak-tər \

Updated on: 26 Apr 2018

Definition of factor

1 : one who acts or transacts business for another: such as

a : broker 1b

b : one that lends money to producers and dealers (as on the security of accounts receivable)

2 a (1) : one that actively contributes to the production of a result : ingredient

price wasn't a factor in the decision

(2) : a substance that functions in or promotes the function of a particular physiological process or bodily system

a clotting factor that facilitates blood coagulation

b : a good or service (such as land, labor, or capital) used in the process of production

3 : gene

4 a : any of the numbers or symbols in mathematics that when multiplied together form a product (see product 1); also : a number or symbol that divides another number or symbol

b : a quantity by which a given quantity is multiplied or divided in order to indicate a difference in measurement

costs increased by a factor of 10

—

factorship

play \ˈfak-tər-ˌship\ noun

See factor defined for English-language learners

See factor defined for kids

Examples of factor in a Sentence

There were several factors contributing to their recent decline.
Poor planning was a major factor in the company's failure.
6, 4, 3, and 2 are factors of 12.

Recent Examples of factor from the Web

Our recent research suggests that international and domestic political dynamics factor into these puzzling differences in power sector reforms.

— lauren m. maclean, Washington Post, "Cape Town still has water — for now. This may take political solutions as well as technical fixes.," 23 Apr. 2018
While social factors play a role in problematic behavior, the research identified correlation, not causation.

— politifact, AL.com, "Do 1,700 families generate 80 percent of the crime in Mobile?," 23 Apr. 2018
But for conservative students, there’s often an additional, even more important factor to consider: Will the institution welcome, or at least tolerate, our viewpoints?

— christa case bryant, The Christian Science Monitor, "At college decision time, conservatives face tough choices," 23 Apr. 2018
Jordan Clarkson, who hasn't been much of a factor off the bench, made his first five shots and led the reserves with 12 first-half points until Korver emerged late.

— j. michael, Indianapolis Star, "Insider: Pacers miss golden opportunity to take 3-1 lead vs. Cavs, lose 104-100," 22 Apr. 2018
All these factors play a role in how long a pot of money can be expected to last.

— liz weston, latimes.com, "Don't run out of money in retirement: Here's how much to use per year, and why," 22 Apr. 2018
The city attributes congestion to myriad factors including a growing population and increases in tourism and construction.

— paul berger, WSJ, "It’s Raining Parking Tickets in New York’s Midtown as Police Enforce New Traffic Rules," 21 Apr. 2018
These trends held true even after the researchers accounted for other factors that could affect Parkinson’s development, including substance use, chronic illnesses and education level.

— jamie ducharme, Time, "Even Mild Brain Injuries May Increase Your Chances of Getting Parkinson's, Study Says," 21 Apr. 2018
There’s a heavy shtick factor that might make a New Orleans native groan — or feel right at home.

— malcolm mayhew, star-telegram, "Tasting samples, 'lagniappe' add to appeal of The Lost Cajun in Mansfield | Fort Worth Star-Telegram," 20 Apr. 2018

These example sentences are selected automatically from various online news sources to reflect current usage of the word 'factor.' Views expressed in the examples do not represent the opinion of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.

Did You Know?

In Latin factor means simply "doer". So in English a factor is an "actor" or element or ingredient in some situation or quantity. Charm can be a factor in someone's success, and lack of exercise can be a factor in producing a poor physique. In math we use factor to mean a number that can be multiplied or divided to produce a given number (for example, 5 and 8 are factors of 40). And in biology a gene may be called a factor, since genes are ingredients in the total organism.

Origin and Etymology of factor

Middle English factour "doer, perpetrator, commercial agent," borrowed from Anglo-French & Latin; Anglo-French, borrowed from Latin factor "maker, creator, perpetrator" (Medieval Latin, "commercial agent, broker"), from fac-, stem of facere "to make, bring about, perform, do" + -tor, agent suffix — more at fact

NEW! Time Traveler

First Known Use: 15th century

in the meaning defined at sense 1

See Words from the same year

factor Synonyms

factor

verb

Definition of factor

factored; factoring play \ˈfak-t(ə-)riŋ\

intransitive verb

: to work as a factor

transitive verb

1 : to resolve into factors

2 a : to include or admit as a factor —used with in or into

factor inflation into our calculations

b : to exclude as a factor —used with out

—

factorable

play \ˈfak-t(ə-)rə-bəl\ adjective

See factor defined for English-language learners

Recent Examples of factor from the Web

Woods' schedule, health and playing performance will also factor into his decision, but the Zurich's unique team format has given it a leg up on its PGA competition.

— jeff duncan, NOLA.com, "Zurich Classic doesn't need Tiger, but it sure would be fun to have him," 7 Apr. 2018
Senior Brett Norton is one of the best throwers in the state, while the trio of senior Xavier Griffin, senior Chaz Sales and sophomore Davin Latiker will factor into the hurdles and sprint relays.

— dave melton, Post-Tribune, "Chesterton sets pace in Duneland Athletic Conference, area boys track," 5 Apr. 2018
Now at different places in their career, Wade more mentor with the Heat, James as dominant seemingly as ever with the Cavs, the two meet in a game that will factor into whether the two could, for the first time ever, meet in the playoffs.

— ira winderman, Sun-Sentinel.com, "Wade vs. LeBron returns to its Heat vs. Cavaliers roots," 26 Mar. 2018
Officials in The Woodlands and other suburban enclaves have to factor in more variables than ever when deciding where to put lines.

— dug begley, Houston Chronicle, "Commuter buses eye new routes as job sites spread out," 22 Mar. 2018
Officials have had to factor in the impact of fiscal stimulus signed by President Donald Trump since their previous projections.

— Fortune, "Federal Reserve Raises Rates – and Forecasts Steeper Hikes as Economy Soars," 21 Mar. 2018
Officials have had to factor in the impact of fiscal stimulus signed by President Donald Trump since their previous projections.

— craig torres, Bloomberg.com, "Fed Lifts Rates, Steepens Path Through 2020 for More Hikes," 21 Mar. 2018
Amazon has said incentives will factor in to where the company locates.

— laura stevens, WSJ, "In Their Push to Lure Amazon, Cities Face Unintended Demands," 15 Mar. 2018
Commission Chairman Ken Shaw said that, in considering the special use permits, the commission needs to factor in the economic impact, which isn't limited to the anticipated revenue that might be generated by having the business in Tinley Park.

— mike nolan, Daily Southtown, "Tinley planners delay vote on gas station rezoning, special use permits," 6 Apr. 2018

Origin and Etymology of factor

verbal derivative of ¹factor

NEW! Time Traveler

First Known Use: 1621

in the meaning defined at intransitive sense

See Words from the same year

Financial Definition of FACTOR

factor

noun

What It Is

A factor is a financial institution that purchases receivables from a company.

How It Works

Let's say Company XYZ sells widgets. It has about $1 million in receivables from customers who have not paid for their widgets.

Company XYZ needs cash right away because it is trying to finish building a new factory. It calls a factor, which purchases the receivables for $750,000. In the deal, Company XYZ gets $750,000 right away, and the factor gets the right to all the money from the receivables ($1 million). The factor then assumes the risk of customers paying late or not at all.

Why It Matters

Factors and factoring can be complicated, but the basic idea is that companies can trade cash flows later for cash flows now, which is useful for companies that need cash right away. It can also be expensive, as the example shows (Company XYZ gave up $250,000 of its receivables for the deal).

Because factors assume the risk of collecting the receivables, they are choosy about which companies they work with and the creditworthiness of the companies' customers.

Source: Investing Answers

FACTOR Defined for English Language Learners

factor

noun

Definition of factor for English Language Learners

: something that helps produce or influence a result : one of the things that cause something to happen
mathematics : a number that evenly divides a larger number
: an amount by which another amount is multiplied or divided

factor

verb

Definition of factor for English Language Learners

: to consider or include (something) in making a judgment or calculation
: to not consider or include (something) in making a judgment or calculation

FACTOR Defined for Kids

factor

noun fac·tor \ ˈfak-tər \

Definition of factor for Students

1 : something that helps produce a result

Price was a factor in my decision.

2 : any of the numbers that when multiplied together form a product

The factors of 6 are 1, 2, 3, and 6.

factor

verb

Definition of factor for Students

factored; factoring

1 : to be considered in making a judgment

Class participation will factor into your grade.

2 : to find the factors of a number

Medical Dictionary

factor

noun fac·tor \ ˈfak-tər \

medical Definition of factor

1 a : something that actively contributes to the production of a result

b : a substance that functions in or promotes the function of a particular physiological process or bodily system

2 : gene

—

factorial

play \fak-ˈtōr-ē-əl, -ˈtȯr-\ adjective

Law Dictionary

factor

noun fac·tor

legal Definition of factor

1 : one who acts or transacts business for another: as

a : a commercial agent who buys or sells goods for others on commission

b : one that lends money to producers and dealers (as on the security of accounts receivable)

2 : a person or thing that actively contributes to the production of a result

a difference in salary based on a factor other than sex

Origin and Etymology of factor

Medieval Latin, doer, maker, agent, from Latin, maker, from facere to do, make

Learn More about factor

See words that rhyme with factor Thesaurus: All synonyms and antonyms for factor Spanish Central: Translation of factor Nglish: Translation of factor for Spanish speakers Britannica English: Translation of factor for Arabic speakers Britannica.com: Encyclopedia article about factor

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factor

Definition of factor

factorship

Examples of factor in a Sentence

Recent Examples of factor from the Web

Did You Know?

Origin and Etymology of factor

factor Synonyms

Synonyms

Antonyms

Near Antonyms

Related Words

factor

Definition of factor

factorable

Recent Examples of factor from the Web

Origin and Etymology of factor

Financial Definition of FACTOR

What It Is

How It Works

Why It Matters

Phrases Related to FACTOR

Related Phrases

FACTOR Defined for English Language Learners

factor

Definition of factor for English Language Learners

factor

Definition of factor for English Language Learners

FACTOR Defined for Kids

factor

Definition of factor for Students

factor

Definition of factor for Students

Medical Dictionary

factor

medical Definition of factor

factorial

Law Dictionary

factor

legal Definition of factor

Origin and Etymology of factor

Learn More about factor

Seen and Heard

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