fac•torˈfæk tər(n.)

1. one of the elements contributing to a particular result or situation.

2. one of two or more numbers, algebraic expressions, or the like, that when multiplied together produce a given product; a divisor:

   6 and 3 are factors of 18.

   Category: Math

3. any of certain substances necessary to a biochemical or physiological process, esp. those whose exact nature and function are unknown.

   Category: Biochemistry

4. a business organization that lends money on accounts receivable or buys and collects accounts receivable.

   Category: Business

5. an agent or merchant earning a commission by selling goods belonging to others.

   Category: Business

6. a person or business organization that finances another's business.

   Category: Business

7. (v.t.)to express (a mathematical quantity) as a product of two or more quantities of like kind, as 30 = 2 ∙ 3 ∙ 5, or x2−y2=(x+y) (x − y).

   Category: Math

8. factor in or into, to include as a contributing element.

   Category: Verb Phrase

Origin of factor:

1400–50; ME facto(u)r < L factor maker

fac′tor•ship`(n.)