Origin of factor

1400–50; late Middle English facto(u)r < Latin factor maker, perpetrator, equivalent to fac(ere) to make, do + -tor -tor

OTHER WORDS FROM factor

British Dictionary definitions for factor in (1 of 2)

factor in

verb

(tr, adverb) mainly US to take account of (something) when making a calculation

British Dictionary definitions for factor in (2 of 2)

factor
/ (ˈfæktə) /

noun

verb

(intr) to engage in the business of a factor
See also factor in

Derived forms of factor

factorable, adjective factorability, noun factorship, noun

Word Origin for factor

C15: from Latin: one who acts, from facere to do

usage for factor

Factor (sense 1) should only be used to refer to something which contributes to a result. It should not be used to refer to a part of something such as a plan or arrangement; instead a word such as component or element should be used

Medical definitions for factor in

factor
[ făktər ]

n.

One that contributes in the cause of an action.
A mathematical component that by multiplication makes up a number or expression.
A gene.
A substance, such as a vitamin, that functions in a specific biochemical reaction or bodily process, such as blood coagulation.

Scientific definitions for factor in

factor
[ făktər ]

Noun

One of two or more numbers or expressions that are multiplied to obtain a given product. For example, 2 and 3 are factors of 6, and a + b and a - b are factors of a2 - b2.
A substance found in the body, such as a protein, that is essential to a biological process. For example, growth factors are needed for proper cell growth and development.

Verb

To find the factors of a number or expression. For example, the number 12 can be factored into 2 and 6, or 3 and 4, or 1 and 12.

Idioms and Phrases with factor in

factor in

Figure in, include as a basic element. For example, In preparing the schedule we factored in vacation and sick days. This term comes from mathematics. [Mid-1900s]