nous, ( Greek: “mind” or “intellect”) in philosophy, the faculty of intellectual apprehension and of intuitive thought. Used in a narrower sense, it is distinguished from discursive thought and applies to the apprehension of eternal intelligible substances and first principles. It is sometimes identified with the highest or divine intellect.

Encyclopaedia Britannica

http://www.britannica.com/EBchecked/topic/420882/nous

last accessed 02.09.2012