Definition

1. Noun:

   • A circumstance, fact, or influence that contributes to a result or outcome: A "factor" is an element that actively helps cause or bring about a particular effect.
   • A number or quantity that when multiplied with another produces a given number or expression: In mathematics, a "factor" is a whole number or algebraic expression that divides another number or expression exactly, without leaving a remainder.
   • A business agent or intermediary: A "factor" is a person or company that acts on behalf of another, especially by buying and selling goods for a commission.
   • (Biology) A gene or genetic element: In genetics, a "factor" is a unit of heredity, such as a gene, that determines a particular characteristic.

2. Verb:

   • To include something as a relevant element when making a calculation or decision: To "factor" means to take something into account as an important variable.
   • (Mathematics) To resolve an integer or expression into its constituent factors: To "factor" is to break down a number or algebraic expression into a product of simpler numbers or expressions.

Examples of Usage

• Noun:

  • Cost was a major factor in our decision to move. (A key influencing element)
  • 3 and 2 are factors of 6. (Mathematical divisors)
  • The company employs a factor to handle its overseas sales. (A business agent)
  • The genetic factor for eye color is inherited. (A hereditary unit)

• Verb:

  • You must factor travel time into your schedule. (To include as a consideration)
  • Students learn to factor quadratic equations in algebra. (To break into mathematical components)

Advanced Usage

• "To factor in": To include something as a relevant part of a decision or calculation.
  • We need to factor in the possibility of bad weather.
• "To factor out": (Mathematics) To remove a common factor from terms in an expression.
  • You can factor out the number 3 from the expression 3x + 6.

Variants and Related Words

• Factorial (n): In mathematics, the product of an integer and all the integers below it (e.g., 5 factorial, written as 5!, is 5×4×3×2×1 = 120).
• Factorization (n): The process of breaking down a number or expression into its factors.
• Factorable (adj): Capable of being factored.

Synonyms

• Noun (as influence): Element, component, determinant, contributor.
• Noun (in math): Divisor.
• Verb (to consider): Consider, incorporate, account for.

Related Phrasal Verbs

• Factor in: To include something in an assessment.
  • Be sure to factor in maintenance costs when buying a car.
• Factor into: To be a contributing part of something.
  • Employee morale factors into overall productivity.

Related Idioms

• "The X factor": An unknown or intangible quality that has a significant effect.
  • The team has skill, but they lack that special X factor needed to win the championship.
• "A deciding/decisive factor": The element that most strongly influences the final outcome.
  • His experience was the deciding factor in getting the job.

Noun

1. (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
2. an independent variable in statistics
3. any of the numbers (or symbols) that form a product when multiplied together
4. a businessman who buys or sells for another in exchange for a commission
5. one of two or more integers that can be exactly divided into another integer
   • what are the 4 factors of 6?
6. an abstract part of something
   • jealousy was a component of his character
   • two constituents of a musical composition are melody and harmony
   • the grammatical elements of a sentence
   • a key factor in her success
   • humor: an effective ingredient of a speech
7. anything that contributes causally to a result
   • a number of factors determined the outcome

Verb

1. consider as relevant when making a decision
   • You must factor in the recent developments
2. be a contributing factor
   • make things factor into a company's profitability
3. resolve into factors
   • a quantum computer can factor the number 15