factor

[fæktɜr]

verb

1. resolve into factors. E.g.: a quantum computer can factor the number 15 [Syn: factor in, factor out]

noun

1. any of the numbers (or symbols) that form a product when multiplied together.

2. one of two or more integers that can be exactly divided into another integer. E.g.: what are the 4 factors of 6? [Syn: divisor]

3. anything that contributes causally to a result. E.g.: a number of factors determined the outcome

4. an abstract part of something. E.g.: a key factor in her success [Syn: component, constituent, element, ingredient]

n (thing)

   factor

verb

   factor

verb forms

   factored, factoring, factors

Collocations from the ACL

adj+n: critical factor, crucial factor, demographic factor, key factor, main factor, major factor, related factor, significant factor, specific factor, associated factors, contextual factors, cultural factors, economic factors, environmental factors, external factors, historical factors, political factors, relevant factors, social factors.

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finance

[fənæns]

verb

1. obtain or provide money for. E.g.: Can we finance the addition to our home?

noun

1. the branch of economics that studies the management of money and other assets.

2. the commercial activity of providing funds and capital.

3. the management of money and credit and banking and investments.

n (thing)

   finance, finances

n (person)

   financier

verb

   finance

verb forms

   financed, finances, financing

adj

   financial

adv

   financially

Collocations from the ACL

adj+n: financial affairs, financial assistance, financial institution, financial management, financial market, financial problem, financial resources, financial support.

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formula

[fɔrmjələ]

noun

1. a group of symbols that make a mathematical statement. [Syn: expression]

2. a conventionalized statement expressing some fundamental principle.

3. a representation of a substance using symbols for its constituent elements. [Syn: chemical formula]

4. (mathematics) a standard procedure for solving a class of mathematical problems. E.g.: he gave us a general formula for attacking polynomials [Syn: rule]

n (thing)

   formula, formulation

verb

   formulate

verb forms

   formulated, formulates, formulating

adj

   formulaic

other

   formulae (pl), formulas (pl), reformulate

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function

[fʌŋkʃən]

verb

1. serve a purpose, role, or function. E.g.: The table functions as a desk [Syn: serve]

noun

1. a relation such that one thing is dependent on another. E.g.: height is a function of age, price is a function of supply and demand

2. a mathematical relation such that each element of one set is associated with at least one element of another set. [Syn: mathematical function]

3. a set sequence of steps, part of larger computer program. [Syn: routine, subroutine, subprogram, procedure]

4. what something is used for. E.g.: the function of an auger is to bore holes [Syn: purpose, role, use]

5. the actions and activities assigned to or required or expected of a person or group. E.g.: the function of a teacher [Syn: office, part, role]

n (thing)

   function

verb

   function

verb forms

   functioned, functioning, functions

adj

   functional, functioning

adv

   functionally

Collocations from the ACL

adj+n: basic function, essential function, main function, primary function, social function, specific function, functional requirement.

v+n: perform (a) function, serve (a) function.

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identify

[aɪdentəfaɪ]

verb

1. give the name or identifying characteristics of; refer to by name or some other identifying characteristic property. [Syn: name]

n (thing)

   identification, identity

verb

   identify

verb forms

   identified, identifies, identifying

adj

   identifiable, identified

opposite

   unidentifiable

Collocations from the ACL

adj+n: multiple identities, collective identity, cultural identity, ethnic identity, national identity, political identity, religious identity, sexual identity, social identity.

adv+vpp: (be) clearly identified, (be) easily identified.

v+n: identify (a) problem, identify (a) way, identify (an) area, identify (an) issue, identify factors, identify features.

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income

[ɪnkʌm]

noun

1. the financial gain (earned or unearned) accruing over a given period of time.

n (thing)

   income

Collocations from the ACL

adj+n: disposable income, low income, middle income, national income, total income.

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