(1) A number that divides evenly into another number. For example, 2 and 4 are factors of 8, 2 and 6 are factors of 12, and 9 and 3 are factors of 27. See
factorial and
IFP.
(2) A step. For example, "two-factor authentication" (2FA) requires two steps instead of one to log onto a site or obtain permission for something. See
two-factor authentication.