Main Entry: agent

Pronunciation: \ˈā-jənt\

Function: noun

Etymology: 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

Date: 15th century

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)