noun
- the ability to learn or understand from experience; ability to acquire and retain knowledge; mental ability
- the ability to respond quickly and successfully to a new situation; use of the faculty of reason in solving problems, directing conduct, etc. effectively
- Psychol. measured success in using these abilities to perform certain tasks
- generally, any degree of keenness of mind, cleverness, shrewdness, etc.
- news or information
- the gathering of secret information, as for military or police purposes
- the persons or agency employed at this
- an intelligent spirit or being
Origin:
OFr < L intelligentia, perception, discernment < intelligens, prp. of intelligere: see intellect