carrier
UK: ˈkæriə | US: ˈkæriər
n. a person or thing that carries or transports something
n. a company providing transportation services (e.g., airlines)
n. (biology) an organism transmitting a disease or genetic trait
The word "carrier" derives from the verb "carry," which originates from Old Northern French carier (to transport in a vehicle), itself from Latin carrus (wheeled vehicle). The suffix "-er" (agent noun) is of Old English origin, denoting "one who does." Thus, "carrier" literally means "one who carries." Over time, its usage expanded to include abstract transport (e.g., disease carriers) and commercial entities (e.g., shipping carriers).
The postal carrier delivers mail to our house daily.
Mosquitoes are common carriers of malaria.
This airline is a major international carrier.
The gene carrier passed the trait to their offspring.
The conveyor belt acts as a carrier for factory goods.