All 6 Uses

factor
in
Rosencrantz and Guildenstern Are Dead
(Auto-generated)

(He wheels at ROS and raps out:) Syllogism the second: One, probability is a factor which operates within natural forces†
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factor = thing that affects a result or outcome
Two, probability is not operating as a factor.†
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If we postulate, and we just have, that within un-, sub— or supernatural forces the probability is that the law of probability will not operate as a factor, then we must accept that the probability of the first part will not operate as a factor, in which case the law of probability will operate as a factor within un-, sub— or supernatural forces.†
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If we postulate, and we just have, that within un-, sub— or supernatural forces the probability is that the law of probability will not operate as a factor, then we must accept that the probability of the first part will not operate as a factor, in which case the law of probability will operate as a factor within un-, sub— or supernatural forces.†
Act 1
If we postulate, and we just have, that within un-, sub— or supernatural forces the probability is that the law of probability will not operate as a factor, then we must accept that the probability of the first part will not operate as a factor, in which case the law of probability will operate as a factor within un-, sub— or supernatural forces.†
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At least we can still count on selfinterest as a predictable factor.... I suppose it's the last to go.†
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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.