intelligence

 
Pronunciation: /ɪnˈtɛlɪdʒ(ə)ns/

noun

[mass noun]
  • 1the ability to acquire and apply knowledge and skills: an eminent man of great intelligence
  • [count noun] a person or being with the ability to acquire and apply knowledge and skills: extraterrestrial intelligences
  • 2the collection of information of military or political value: the chief of military intelligence
  • people employed in the collection of military or political information: British intelligence has secured numerous local informers
  • military or political information: the gathering of intelligence
  • archaic information in general; news.

Derivatives

intelligential

Pronunciation: /-ˈdʒɛnʃ(ə)l/
adjective ( archaic)

Origin:

late Middle English: via Old French from Latin intelligentia, from intelligere 'understand' (see intelligent)