agent
The term operates across three distinct domains: legal, chemical, and sociological. In a legal or business sense, it describes a fiduciary relationship where authority is delegated to a representative to perform specific tasks or negotiations.
In scientific contexts, the word shifts from a human actor to a catalyst or a biological entity, such as a pathogen or a detergent, focusing on the capacity to trigger a change. This versatility allows the word to bridge the gap between conscious human action and mindless chemical reactions.
A person or a specific substance.
Meanings
Examples
Collocations & Compounds
travel agent
a person who arranges trips
I booked my flight through a travel agent.
chemical agent
a substance used for a reaction
The factory uses a specific chemical agent for tanning leather.
secret agent
a spy
The secret agent went undercover in Berlin.
biological agent
a living organism causing disease
Anthrax is a dangerous biological agent.
free agent
a professional athlete not under contract
The team is looking to sign a free agent this winter.