1 [C] one of several things that cause or influence sth:
environmental / economic factors * The closure of the mine was the single most important factor in the town's decline. * the key / crucial / deciding factor * The result will depend on a number of different factors
2 [C] (mathematics) a number that divides into another number exactly:
2, 3, 4 and 6 are factors of 12.
3 [C] the amount by which sth increases or decreases:
The real wage of the average worker has increased by a factor of over ten in the last 70 years.
4 [C] a particular level on a scale of measurement:
a suntan lotion with a protection factor of 10 * The wind-chill factor will make it seem colder.
5 [U] (medical) a substance in the blood that helps the CLOTTING process. There are several types of this substance:
Haemophiliacs have no factor 8 in their blood
IDIOMS see FEEL-GOOD
