An active power or cause or substance; something which has the power to produce an effect
(computing) In the client-server model, the part of the system that performs information preparation and exchange on behalf of a client or server. Especially in the phrase “intelligent agent” it implies some kind of autonomous process which can communicate with other agents to perform some collective task on behalf of one or more humans.
(grammar) The participant of a situation that carries out the action in this situation, e.g. "the boy" in the sentences "The boy kicked the ball" and "The ball was kicked by the boy".
“Appointments with the high-profile singer can be made via his agent.”
“His conviction as a humanitarian made him a revolutionary and an agent for change.”
“A company must ensure an adequate level of service from a third party serving as an outsourcing agent.”
agency
The capacity, condition, or state of acting or of exerting power; action or activity; operation.
A person or thing through which power is exerted or an end is achieved: instrumentality, means.
The office or function of an agent; also, the relationship between a principal and that person's agent.
An establishment engaged in doing business for another; also, the place of business or the district of such an agency.
A department or other administrative unit of a government; also, the office or headquarters of, or the district administered by such unit of government.
“Selling or renting a home through a real estate agency represents a cost that will vary depending on the type of agency chosen.”
“Personal property is too precarious and invisible a fund to be laid hold of in any other way than by the imperceptible agency of taxes on consumption.”
“The marks of percussion here described, including those of the ineffective blows, can be produced only by the agency of a hammer held by a human hand intentionally striking a stone.”
