noun
agent
AYD-zhuhnt
noun
1
A person who acts on behalf of another, especially in business or legal matters.
"Her literary agent negotiated the book deal."
"The estate agent showed us three houses."
2
A person who works, often secretly, for a government or intelligence organization.
"The agent passed classified information to headquarters."
"He was recruited as a double agent."
3
A substance or force that produces an effect.
"Bleach is a powerful cleaning agent."
"The virus is the causative agent of the disease."
How to Use Agent
Learner’s notesIn plain EnglishSomeone (or something) that acts, especially on behalf of someone else, or a substance that causes an effect.
Common pairings
secret agent
estate agent
cleaning agent
travel agent
Word Forms
agents plural, Agents plural
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Her literary _____ negotiated the book deal.
Etymology
From Latin agens, the present participle of agere ("to do, act, drive").