Which of the following describes the meaning of 'composite number'?

A composite number is defined as a positive integer that has more than two distinct positive divisors or factors. This means that in addition to being divisible by 1 and itself, a composite number can be divided evenly by at least one other positive integer.

For example, the number 4 is composite because it has three divisors: 1, 2, and 4. Similarly, 6 has four divisors: 1, 2, 3, and 6. In contrast, prime numbers have exactly two distinct factors—1 and the number itself—while the number 1 is unique because it has just one factor.

Thus, the definition of a composite number accurately captures that it is a number with more than two factors, making it a comprehensive descriptor of this category of numbers.