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
Words nearby 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, nounWord 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
[ făk′tər ]
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
[ făk′tər ]
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]