divisor

[dih-vahy-zer] /dɪˈvaɪ zər/
noun, Mathematics
1.
a number by which another number, the dividend, is divided.
2.
a number contained in another given number a certain integral number of times, without a remainder.
Origin
1425-75; late Middle English < Latin dīvīsor, one who divides, equivalent to dīvīd- (variant stem of dīvidere to divide) + -tor -tor
Examples from the web for divisor
  • Identify the divisor shown as a variable in the equation.
  • Identify the divisor shown as the variable in the equation.
  • The result is your earnings in each year used in the divisor.
  • Divides both x and y by the given divisor, and returns a reference to this point.
  • The methodology remains the same today, but the divisor has been changed to preserve historical continuity.
British Dictionary definitions for divisor

divisor

/dɪˈvaɪzə/
noun
1.
a number or quantity to be divided into another number or quantity (the dividend)
2.
a number that is a factor of another number
Word Origin and History for divisor
n.

early 15c., Latin agent noun from dividere (see divide (v.)).

divisor in Science
divisor
  (dĭ-vī'zər)   
A number used to divide another. In the equation 15 ÷ 3 = 5, 3 is the divisor.
divisor in Technology


A quantity that evenly divides another quantity.
Unless otherwise stated, use of this term implies that the quantities involved are integers. (For non-integers, the more general term factor may be more appropriate.)
Example: 3 is a divisor of 15. Example: 3 is not a divisor of 14.
(1997-03-07)