common divisor

noun

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

called also common factor

Examples of common divisor in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web
Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to show current usage. Read More Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.
Assuming that the lengths of the triangle correspond to rational numbers, and are integers and have no common divisor—or so everyone thought. Manon Bischoff, Scientific American, 13 June 2024 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

Word History

First Known Use

1557, in the meaning defined above

Time Traveler
The first known use of common divisor was in 1557

Dictionary Entries Near common divisor

Cite this Entry

“Common divisor.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/common%20divisor. Accessed 30 Nov. 2024.

Kids Definition

common divisor

noun
: a number that divides two or more numbers without remainder
4 is a common divisor of 12, 24, and 36

called also common factor

Love words? Need even more definitions?

Subscribe to America's largest dictionary and get thousands more definitions and advanced search—ad free!