agent Meaning, Definition & Usage

  1. noun an active and efficient cause; capable of producing a certain effect
    • their research uncovered new disease agents
  2. noun a representative who acts on behalf of other persons or organizations
  3. noun a substance that exerts some force or effect
  4. noun a businessman who buys or sells for another in exchange for a commission
    broker; factor.
  5. noun any agent or representative of a federal agency or bureau
    federal agent.
  6. noun the semantic role of the animate entity that instigates or causes the happening denoted by the verb in the clause
    agentive role.

WordNet

A"gent adjective
Etymology
L. agens, agentis, p. pr. of agere to act; akin to Gr. to lead, Icel. aka to drive, Skr. aj. .
Definitions
  1. Acting -- opposed to patient, or sustaining, action. Archaic "The body agent." Bacon.
A"gent noun
Definitions
  1. One who exerts power, or has the power to act; an actor.
    Heaven made us agents, free to good or ill. Dryden.
  2. One who acts for, or in the place of, another, by authority from him; one intrusted with the business of another; a substitute; a deputy; a factor.
  3. An active power or cause; that which has the power to produce an effect; as, a physical, chemical, or medicinal agent; as, heat is a powerful agent.

Webster 1913