Definition of factory

< factorize

factory ship >

fac·to·ry    (fkt-r) KEY 

NOUN:
pl. fac·to·ries

1. 1. A building or group of buildings in which goods are manufactured; a plant.
   2. A vessel in which newly caught seafood is prepared for shipment and sale: a floating fish factory.
2. A business establishment for commercial agents or factors in a foreign country.
3. The source of prolific production: a rock group that was a hit-tune factory; a motel that served as an illegal drug factory.

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ETYMOLOGY:
Late Latin factria, oil press, mill, and Medieval Latin factria, establishment for factors, both from Latin factor, factor ; see factor