1fac·tor 
/ˈfæktɚ/ noun
plural fac·tors /ˈfæktɚ/ noun [count] 1 : something that helps produce or influence a result : one of the things that cause something to happen
▪ There were several factors contributing to their recent decline. ▪ Poor planning was a major factor in the company's failure. ▪ Cost was the decisive/deciding/determining factor in their decision. [=the most important reason for their decision] 2 a mathematics : a number that evenly divides a larger number
▪ 6, 4, 3, and 2 are factors of 12.
b : an amount by which another amount is multiplied or divided
▪ Costs increased/decreased by a factor of 10. [=costs were 10 times higher/lower than they had been]
▪ There were several factors contributing to their recent decline. ▪ Poor planning was a major factor in the company's failure. ▪ Cost was the decisive/deciding/determining factor in their decision. [=the most important reason for their decision]
▪ 6, 4, 3, and 2 are factors of 12.
b : an amount by which another amount is multiplied or divided
▪ Costs increased/decreased by a factor of 10. [=costs were 10 times higher/lower than they had been]
— see also rh factor, risk factor
