cold
cold Lexical Profile
cold Game Scores & Validity
• adjective
Of or at a low or relatively low temperature, especially when compared with the human body or normal room temperature.
"A bitterly cold wind swept across the open plains during the night."
Not heated, or having cooled after being cooked (of food or drink).
"They packed a picnic basket filled with cold roast chicken, cheese, and fresh fruit."
Lacking affection, warmth, or emotional expression; unfeeling or unfriendly.
"The committee gave her proposal a cold reception and declined to fund the project."
Having lost freshness, immediacy, or solvable leads over time (of a scent, trail, or criminal investigation).
"The forensic team reopened the cold case after new DNA evidence was discovered."
Designating colors toward the blue, gray, or green end of the spectrum that suggest chilliness rather than warmth.
"The artist used cold shades of slate blue and gray to depict the winter seascape."
• noun
A common viral infection of the upper respiratory tract in which the mucous membrane of the nose and throat becomes inflamed, typically causing a runny nose, sneezing, and a sore throat.
"He stayed home from school for two days to recover from a bad head cold."
A low temperature, especially in the atmosphere; cold weather or a cold environment.
"They hurried indoors to escape the biting winter cold."
• adverb
Completely, thoroughly, or to the point of unconsciousness.
"The actor knew all of his lines cold before the first dress rehearsal began."
Suddenly and without prior preparation, rehearsal, or warning.
"She was asked to deliver the presentation cold when the keynote speaker failed to arrive."
• Rhymes for cold
• Nearby Words
Word Origin & Etymology
From Old English 'cald' (Anglian) or 'ceald' (West Saxon), from Proto-Germanic *kaldaz, which is ultimately derived from the Proto-Indo-European root *gel- meaning 'cold' or 'to freeze' (also the source of Latin 'gelu' and English 'gelid').