Final answer:
The example given is a mnemonic device providing a hint to remember the meaning of 'personnel' by using a smaller word within the larger word.
Step-by-step explanation:
The sentence 'The word "person-NEL" means employees. NEL is an employee.' serves as a mnemonic device, specifically an example of a hint to help you remember the word's meaning.
Mnemonic devices are memory aids used for organizing and encoding information into long-term memory. They can take various forms, such as acronyms, acrostics, and jingles, all designed to facilitate the recall of information through recognition or relearning. In the context given, by remembering NEL as an employee, you may more easily remember that personnel refers to employees.