factor

/fˈæktɚ/ · 2 syllables

Meaning

noun

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?”
4. a businessman who buys or sells for another in exchange for a commission
5. any of the numbers (or symbols) that form a product when multiplied together
6. an independent variable in statistics
7. (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”

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”

Synonyms for factor

• component
• constituent
• element
• ingredient
• divisor
• agent
• broker
• gene
• cistron
• factor in
• factor out

Words that rhyme with factor

• contractor
• actor
• reactor
• tractor
• benefactor
• chiropractor
• detractor
• malefactor
• subcontractor
• akhtar
• compactor
• lacter
• pachter
• refractor
• schachter
• schlachter