— factorable , adj. — factorability , n. — factorship , n.
/fak"teuhr/ , n.
1. one of the elements contributing to a particular result or situation: Poverty is only one of the factors in crime.
2. Math. 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.
3. Biochem. any of certain substances necessary to a biochemical or physiological process, esp. those whose exact nature and function are unknown.
4. a business organization that lends money on accounts receivable or buys and collects accounts receivable.
5. a person who acts or transacts business for another; an agent.
6. an agent entrusted with the possession of goods to be sold in the agent's name; a merchant earning a commission by selling goods belonging to others.
7. a person or business organization that provides money for another's new business venture; one who finances another's business.
8. See factor of production .
9. Scot. the steward or bailiff of an estate.
v.t.
10. Math. to express (a mathematical quantity) as a product of two or more quantities of like kind, as 30 = 235, or x 2 - y 2 = ( x + y ) ( x - y ). Cf. expand (def. 4a).
11. to act as a factor for.
v.i.
12. to act as a factor.
13. factor in or into , to include as an essential element, esp. in forecasting or planning: You must factor insurance payments into the cost of maintaining a car.
[ 1400-50; late ME facto ( u ) r factor maker, perpetrator, equiv. to fac ( ere ) to make, do + -tor -TOR ]