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1. An active and efficient cause; capable of producing a certain effect
   "their research uncovered new disease agents"
    
2. A representative who acts on behalf of other persons or organizations
    
3. A substance that exerts some force or effect
    
4. A businessman who buys or sells for another in exchange for a commission
   - factor, broker
    
5. Any agent or representative of a federal agency or bureau
   - federal agent
    
6. The semantic role of the animate entity that instigates or causes the happening denoted by the verb in the clause
   - agentive role

Derived forms: agents

Type of: bourgeois, businessperson, causal agency, causal agent, cause, functionary, official, participant role, representative, semantic role, substance

Part of: brokerage, brokerage firm, securities firm

Encyclopedia: Agent