one of the elements contributing to a particular result or situation

Poverty is only one of the factors in crime.

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.

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

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

a person who acts or transacts business for another; an agent.

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.

a person or business organization that provides money for another's new business venture; one who finances another's business.

factor of production.

Scot. the steward or bailiff of an estate.

Mathematics . 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 ). Compare expand ( def. 4a ) .

to act as a factor for.

to act as a factor. ?

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.

noun

agency , agent , aid , antecedent , aspect , board , cause , circumstance , component , consideration , constituent , element , fixin’s , influence , ingredient , instrument , instrumentality , item , makin’s , means , part , part and parcel , point , portion , thing , building block , integrant , detail , fact , particular , author , broker , commission merchant , consignee , determinant , gene , middleman , reason