<p><strong>Noun</strong></p><ul><li>one of the elements contributing to a particular result or situation: Poverty is only one of the factors in crime.</li><li>Mathematics. 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.</li><li>Biochemistry. any of certain substances necessary to a biochemical or physiological process, especially those whose exact nature and function are unknown.</li><li>a business organization that lends money on accounts receivable or buys and collects accounts receivable.</li><li>a person who acts or transacts business for another; an agent.</li><li>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.</li><li>a person or business organization that provides money for another's new business venture; one who finances another's business.</li><li>factor of production.</li><li>Scot. the steward or bailiff of an estate.</li></ul><p><strong>Verb (used with object)</strong></p><ul><li>Mathematics. 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). Compare expand (def 4a).</li><li>to act as a factor for.</li></ul><p><strong>Verb (used without object)</strong></p><ul><li>to act as a factor.</li></ul><p><strong>Verb Phrase</strong></p><ul><li>to include as an essential element, especially in forecasting or planning: You must factor insurance payments into the cost of maintaining a car.</li></ul><p><strong>End of Response</strong></p>