Definition of Factor

Noun: factor fak-tu(r)

Anything that contributes causally to a result
"a number of factors determined the outcome"
An abstract part of something
"a key factor in her success";
- component, constituent, element, ingredient
One of two or more integers that can be exactly divided into another integer
"what are the 4 factors of 6?";
- divisor
A businessman who buys or sells for another in exchange for a commission
- agent, broker
Any of the numbers (or symbols) that form a product when multiplied together
An independent variable in statistics
(genetics) a segment of DNA that is involved in producing a polypeptide chain; it can include regions preceding and following the coding DNA as well as introns between the exons; it is considered a unit of heredity
"genes were formerly called factors"; "cistrons were formerly called factors";
- gene, cistron

Verb: factor fak-tu(r)

(arithmetic) resolve into factors
"a quantum computer can factor the number 15";
- factor in, factor out
Be a contributing factor
"make things factor into a company's profitability"
Consider as relevant when making a decision
"You must factor in the recent developments";
- factor in, factor out