factorization

1 of 2

noun

fac·​tor·​i·​za·​tion ˌfak-tə-rə-ˈzā-shən How to pronounce factorization (audio)
: the operation of resolving a quantity into factors
also : a product obtained by factorization
factorize
ˈfak-tə-ˌrīz How to pronounce factorization (audio)
transitive verb

factorize

2 of 2

transitive verb

fac·​tor·​ize ˈfaktəˌrīz How to pronounce factorize (audio)
-ed/-ing/-s
1
: garnishee sense 1
2
: factor entry 2 sense 1

Examples of factorization in a Sentence

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Noun
This has meant that the most advanced forms of cryptography—which are based on factorization—cannot now be broken. — Charina Chou, Foreign Affairs, 7 Jan. 2025 The new research shows that an algorithm using quantum Fourier transforms can perform this factorization efficiently. — Aman Tripathi, Interesting Engineering, 11 Sep. 2025 The researchers employed innovative techniques to optimize the mapping of the factorization problem onto the quantum annealer. — Craig S. Smith, Forbes, 16 Oct. 2024 Last year’s hype train, mentioned earlier in this article, was touched off by coverage by the same publication that claimed researchers found a factorization method that could break a 2,048-bit RSA key using a quantum system with just 372 qubits. — Ars Technica, 30 Oct. 2024 See All Example Sentences for factorization

Word History

Etymology

Noun

factorize (from factor entry 1 + -ize) + -ation

First Known Use

Noun

1886, in the meaning defined above

Transitive Verb

1848, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Time Traveler
The first known use of factorization was in 1848

Rhymes for factorization

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Browse Nearby Words

factor IX
factorization
factorize
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Cite this Entry

“Factorization.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/factorization. Accessed 7 Jul. 2026.

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Kids Definition

factorization

noun
fac·​tor·​i·​za·​tion ˌfak-tə-rə-ˈzā-shən How to pronounce factorization (audio)
: the act or process or an instance or result of factoring
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