divisor: meaning, definition, pronunciation and examples
Low-frequency (specialist/technical)Formal/Technical. Almost exclusively used in mathematical or computational contexts.
Quick answer
What does “divisor” mean?
In mathematics, a number by which another number is divided.
Audio
Pronunciation
Definition
Meaning and Definition
In mathematics, a number by which another number is divided.
1) In number theory, a number that divides another number evenly, without leaving a remainder. 2) Can be used more generally as a term for any factor or element that divides or separates something into parts.
Dialectal Variation
British vs American Usage
Differences
No lexical or pronunciation differences in the word itself. The concept is universal in mathematics. The surrounding vocabulary for division may differ (e.g., 'brackets' vs. 'parentheses' in equations).
Connotations
Purely mathematical/neutral in both regions.
Frequency
Equally low in everyday speech in both regions. Equally high in relevant technical and educational contexts.
Grammar
How to Use “divisor” in a Sentence
[number] + is a divisor + of + [number]The divisor + [verb] + the dividendFind the greatest common divisor + of + [list of numbers]Vocabulary
Collocations
Usage
Meaning in Context
Business
Rare. Might appear in financial modelling or data analysis reports (e.g., 'The divisor for the earnings-per-share calculation was adjusted').
Academic
Very common in mathematics, physics, engineering, and computer science curricula and literature.
Everyday
Extremely rare. Would only be used when explaining mathematics to a child or in a specific puzzle context.
Technical
Core terminology in pure mathematics, number theory, cryptography, and algorithm design.
Watch out
Common Mistakes When Using “divisor”
- Pronouncing it as /daɪˈvaɪ.zər/ (like 'diver' with a 'z').
- Confusing 'divisor' with 'dividend'. A useful mnemonic: the divisor is outside the division bracket/symbol.
- Using 'divider' in a mathematical context (a 'divider' is a physical object like a room divider).
FAQ
Frequently Asked Questions
In the context of exact division (no remainder), a divisor is a factor. However, 'divisor' explicitly references the act of division, while 'factor' is more general in multiplication contexts.
Yes, but in integer division it will result in a quotient of zero with a remainder equal to the dividend (e.g., 5 ÷ 7). In such cases, it is not a factor.
A proper divisor of a number is any positive divisor other than the number itself. For example, the proper divisors of 6 are 1, 2, and 3.
There is no number that can serve as the quotient when the divisor is zero. If you try to solve 5 ÷ 0 = ?, you need a number that multiplied by 0 gives 5, which is impossible. This leads to a mathematical contradiction.
In mathematics, a number by which another number is divided.
Divisor is usually formal/technical. almost exclusively used in mathematical or computational contexts. in register.
Divisor: in British English it is pronounced /dɪˈvaɪ.zər/, and in American English it is pronounced /dɪˈvaɪ.zɚ/. Tap the audio buttons above to hear it.
Phrases
Idioms & Phrases
- “No common idioms. The term is purely technical.”
Learning
Memory Aids
Mnemonic
Think of the word 'divide'. The DIVIS-or is the one that does the dividing (the '-or' ending indicates the 'doer', like 'actor' or 'creator').
Conceptual Metaphor
CONTAINER/SHARING: The divisor is a measuring cup used to portion out the dividend into equal shares.
Practice
Quiz
What is the greatest common divisor (GCD) of 18 and 24?