operational cell
- noun
- /ˌɑːpəˈreɪʃənl sɛl/
- Literature
:
célula operativa
- Authorities discovered an operational cell planning an attack in the city center.
Examples
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The dismantling of the operational cell prevented a major security incident.
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Intelligence agencies are constantly monitoring for signs of a new operational cell.
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An operational cell was discovered.
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The police found an operational cell last night.
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Authorities discovered an operational cell planning an attack in the city center.
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Intelligence agencies are constantly monitoring for signs of a new operational cell.
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The dismantling of the operational cell prevented a major security incident.
Synonyms
123
7.1
A small secret group that works inside a larger organization, often for political aims
15
6.0
A small secret group that plans violent attacks for political reasons
A small secret group of people who plan or use political violence
How Active
Surface Forms
Morphology
The meaning 'a small clandestine group that carries out operations' is directly and predictably derived from combining 'operational' (relating to operations) with 'cell' (a small clandestine group). This adjective+noun composition follows regular English patterns and would be understandable to a B1 learner who knows both constituents.
Etymology
The phrase operational cell may come from the image of a small hidden cell, like a tiny room or unit where a few people meet to plan actions. Because operational means doing an 'operation', the phrase now means a small secret group that carries out attacks or missions.