factorial

adjective

fac·to·ri·al | \ fak-ˈtȯr-ē-əl

How to pronounce factorial (audio)

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Definition of factorial

(Entry 1 of 2)

: of, relating to, or being a factor or a factorial

factorial

noun

Definition of factorial (Entry 2 of 2)

1 : the product of all the positive integers from 1 to n —symbol n!

2 : the quantity 0! arbitrarily defined as equal to 1

Examples of factorial in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web: Noun

Here’s one easy way to construct a list of, say, 100 composite numbers in a row: Start with the numbers 2, 3, 4, … , 101, and add to each of these the number 101 factorial (the product of the first 101 numbers, written 101!). — Quanta Magazine, "Prime Gap Grows After Decades-Long Lull," 10 Dec. 2014

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

History and Etymology for factorial

Adjective

factor entry 1 + -ial (in mathematical sense after French factoriel)

Noun

borrowed from French factorielle, noun derivative from feminine of factoriel factorial entry 1

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Dictionary Entries near factorial

factor analysis

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Time Traveler for factorial

The first known use of factorial was in 1837

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