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agent

72 ENTRIES FOUND:

agent

noun \ˈā-jənt\

Definition of AGENT

1
: one that acts or exerts power
2
a : something that produces or is capable of producing an effect : an active or efficient cause b : a chemically, physically, or biologically active principle
3
: a means or instrument by which a guiding intelligence achieves a result
4
: one who is authorized to act for or in the place of another: as a : a representative, emissary, or official of a government <crown agent> <federal agent> b : one engaged in undercover activities (as espionage) : spy <secret agent> c : a business representative (as of an athlete or entertainer) <a theatrical agent>
5
: a computer application designed to automate certain tasks (as gathering information online)

Examples of AGENT

  1. They worked with a travel agent to plan their vacation.
  2. <the whitening agent in the detergent is chlorine bleach>

Origin of AGENT

Middle English, from Medieval Latin agent-, agens, from Latin, present participle of agere to drive, lead, act, do; akin to Old Norse aka to travel in a vehicle, Greek agein to drive, lead
First Known Use: 15th century

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