All 4 Uses

factor
in
Through My Eyes
(Auto-generated)

In a typical day a team will speak in six to ten schools, depending on distance and other factors.†
p. 60.5

factors = things that affect a result or outcome
That relationship was a major factor in my decision.†
p. 210.3 *

factor = thing that affects a result or outcome
Another factor is that I have trouble finding girls who really like me for me.†
p. 215.5
After evaluating me, he determined that one of the most important factors for me to be able to play again was that I be completely free of headaches for a certain number of days.†
p. 224.1

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.