common divisor

noun

: a number or expression that divides two or more numbers or expressions without remainder

called also common factor

Example Sentences

Recent Examples on the Web Strategy 1 can be generalized if ƒ and t have a common divisor m that doesn’t divide d: STRATEGY 1*. The lawyer divides the coins into m equal groups with ƒ/m fake coins in each and shows that all of them are equal in weight.

Nicholas Diaco, Scientific American, 20 Mar. 2018

These example sentences are selected automatically from various online news sources to reflect current usage of the word 'common divisor.' Views expressed in the examples do not represent the opinion of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.

Word History

First Known Use

1557, in the meaning defined above

Time Traveler

The first known use of common divisor was in 1557

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Cite this Entry

Style

“Common divisor.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/common%20divisor. Accessed 7 Dec. 2022.

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