1. (a.) Acting; -- opposed to patient, or sustaining, action.

2. (n.) One who exerts power, or has the power to act; an actor.

3. (n.) One who acts for, or in the place of, another, by authority from him; one entrusted with the business of another; a substitute; a deputy; a factor.

4. (n.) An active power or cause; that which has the power to produce an effect; as, a physical, chemical, or medicinal agent; as, heat is a powerful agent.