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agent

agent definition

agent (ā′jənt)

noun

a person or thing that performs an action or brings about a certain result, or that is able to do so
an active force or substance producing an effect a chemical agent
a person, firm, etc. empowered to act for another
☆ a representative of a government agency revenue agent
☆ Informal a traveling salesperson
Gram. the word or words designating the person or thing that performs the action of the verb in a sentence

Etymology: L agens (gen. agentis), prp. of agere, act

intransitive verb, transitive verb

to act or work as an agent (on)

Webster's New World College Dictionary Copyright © 2009 by Wiley Publishing, Inc., Cleveland, Ohio.
Used by arrangement with John Wiley & Sons, Inc.