intelligence cell
- noun
- /ɪnˈtɛlɪdʒəns sɛl/
- Specialized
:
célula de inteligencia
- Each intelligence cell works independently to reduce the risk of exposure to the larger organization.
Examples
-
The intelligence cell transmitted the surveillance data back to their leaders using encrypted channels.
-
The intelligence cell operated under strict secrecy.
-
The authorities discovered an intelligence cell operating near the border to gather military information.
-
Several intelligence cells were discovered in the region.
-
The intelligence cell gathered crucial information about the enemy's movements during the operation.
-
During the investigation, the police formed an intelligence cell to monitor suspicious activities in the area.
-
The intelligence cell was tasked with compiling reports from various sources to ensure national security.
How Secret
- NSFW
6
8.9
- Formal
3
7.7
- Specialized
- Literature
3
7.9
- Slang
Surface Forms
Morphology
Both constituents contribute their usual meanings: 'intelligence' (secret/security information) + 'cell' (small clandestine group). The combined sense — a small secret group that collects information — is directly compositional and cross-linguistically common, so a B1 learner who knows the parts would readily infer the MWE meaning.
Etymology
Intelligence cell comes from the image of a small, hidden cell that quietly gathers intelligence. A 'cell' here is like a tiny room or unit that works alone to stay secret, so the phrase means 'a small secret group that collects information'.