factor

Noun

• (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
    

• an independent variable in statistics

• any of the numbers (or symbols) that form a product when multiplied together

• a businessman who buys or sells for another in exchange for a commission

• one of two or more integers that can be exactly divided into another integer
  • what are the 4 factors of 6?
    

• an abstract part of something
  • jealousy was a component of his character
    
  • two constituents of a musical composition are melody and harmony
    
  • the grammatical elements of a sentence
    
  • a key factor in her success
    
  • humor: an effective ingredient of a speech
    

• anything that contributes causally to a result
  • a number of factors determined the outcome
    

Verb

• consider as relevant when making a decision
  • You must factor in the recent developments
    

• be a contributing factor
  • make things factor into a company's profitability
    

• resolve into factors
  • a quantum computer can factor the number 15
    

Related words

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