"Prime Factorization" refers to the process of breaking down a composite number into its simplest building blocks, which are prime numbers. In other words, it's the process of finding which prime numbers multiply together to form the original number.

It is useful for simplifying fractions, finding the greatest common divisor (GCD), and least common multiple (LCM) of numbers, among other mathematical operations.

Process:

• Start with the smallest prime number, which is 2, and see if it divides the given number evenly.
  

• If it does, divide the number by 2 and continue dividing by 2 until it is no longer possible.

• Move on to the next prime number (3) and repeat the process.

• Continue with each subsequent prime number (5, 7, 11, etc.) until the original number is reduced to 1.

The prime factors are usually written in ascending order, and repeated factors are expressed using exponents.

Prime factorization is a fundamental concept in number theory and has numerous applications in mathematics, particularly in algebra, number theory, and cryptography.