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factor

/ˈfæk.tə/ noun

In Latin: factor Wiktionary

noun Definition from WordNet 3.1, Princeton University. Pronunciation from Wiktionary, via Kaikki.org. More about factor at Wordnik → Where our words come from →

  1. Anything that contributes causally to a result.
    a number of factors determined the outcome
  2. An abstract part of something.
    jealousy was a component of his character
  3. One of two or more integers that can be exactly divided into another integer.
    what are the 4 factors of 6?

verb

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

Origin

Inherited from Middle English factour, from Middle French facteur, Anglo-Norman factour, and their etymon Latin factor (“a doer, maker, performer”), from factus (“done or made”), perfect passive participle of faciō (“do, make”).

From Wiktionary, via Kaikki.org (CC BY-SA)