factor
UK[ˈfæktə]US[ˈfæktər]
n
One of the things that has an effect on a particular situation, decision, or event.
n
A number that divides another number exactly.
n
A level on a scale of measurement.
Morpheme Breakdown
fact
or
fact
make, do
or
agent suffix
Etymology
The word 'factor' entered English in the 15th century from the French word 'facteur', which itself derived from the Latin 'factor', meaning 'a maker or doer'. This Latin term is the agent noun from the verb 'facere', meaning 'to make or do', a verb of immense productivity tracing back to the Proto-Indo-European root dʰeh₁-, meaning 'to put, to set, to do'. Originally, a 'factor' was a person who acted for another, such as a commercial agent. Over time, the meaning broadened from an active 'doer' to an active element that 'does' something or produces an effect in a situation, leading to its modern mathematical and causative senses.
Analysis
Structure: fact (make, do) + or (agent suffix)
'Fact' is from Latin 'facere' (to make, to do). 'Or' is a Latin-derived agent suffix indicating a person or thing that performs an action.
Examples
Cost was a major factor in their decision.
2 and 3 are factors of 6.
The sunscreen has a high protection factor.