All 4 Uses

factor
in
The Hunt for Red October
(Auto-generated)

This was theoretically possible, but the captain quickly realized that the inertial navigation system had a built-in error factor of several hundred yards; this was aggravated by gravitational disturbances, which affected the "local vertical," which in turn affected the inertial fix.†
Chpt 5. *

factor = thing that affects a result or outcome
For us this would be a technical operation, but they factor politics into everything they do.
Chpt 12. *

factor = include consideration of (for the affect on a result or outcome)
Both of these factors would be even more true in the Soviet Navy.†
Chpt 6.
With that speed range, you can figure a radiated noise level about the same as that of a Yankee doing six knots, but you'd have to factor reactor plant noise into that also.†
Chpt 8.

Definitions:

(1) (factor as in: It was the deciding factor.)
something that affects a result or outcome

You also may encounter x-factor or x factor--meaning "the most important thing that influences a result or outcome."
(2) (factor as in: factor it into your thinking)
include consideration of
(3) (meaning too rare to warrant focus)
There are many specialized meanings in fields such as mathematics, business, finance, biology, and grammar.