noun / verb
factor
FAK-tur/ˈfæktər/
An element that contributes to producing a result.
The amount of light is a major factor in plant growth.
Etymology
A factor was literally a “doer” or “maker.” In mathematics it became a quantity multiplied with another to produce a product; that sense led to a circumstance contributing to a result.
In context
another crucial factor that helps maintain the best quality of broccoli is the modern Logistics system from farms in California broccoli is transported to supermarkets around the world in just a few days
More examples
- Price is an important factor in our decision.
- Several factors contributed to the delay, including heavy traffic.
- We factor in travel time when planning our visits.
Forms
factor · factors · factored · factoring
Similar words
- influence
- Emphasizes the power to shape an outcome or decision.
- cause
- More directly produces a result, rather than merely contributing.
- circumstance
- Describes a surrounding condition, whether or not it contributes.