[in.tel.li.gence] n [ME, fr. MF, fr. L intelligentia, fr. intelligent-, intelligens intelligent] (14c) 1 a (1): the ability to learn or understand or to deal with new or trying situations: reason; also: the skilled use of reason (2): the ability to apply knowledge to manipulate one's environment or to think abstractly as measured by objective criteria (as tests) b Christian Science: the basic eternal quality of divine Mind c: mental acuteness: shrewdness
2. a: an intelligent entity; esp: angel b: intelligent minds or mind "cosmic ~"
3: the act of understanding: comprehension
4. a: information, news b: information concerning an enemy or possible enemy or an area; also: an agency engaged in obtaining such information
5: the ability to perform computer functions