n.1 a a person who acts for another in business, politics, etc. (estate agent; insurance agent). b a spy.
2 a a person or thing that exerts power or produces an effect. b the cause of a natural force or effect on matter (oxidizing agent). c such a force or effect.
Phrases and idioms:
agent-general a representative of an Australian State or Canadian province, usu. in London.
Derivatives:
agential adj.
Etymology: L agent- part. stem of agere do