Cold
/koʊld/noun
Having a low temperature, especially when compared to the temperature of the human body.
Did you know?In ancient beliefs, cold wasn't just a temperature; it was often associated with the presence of spirits or the supernatural, hinting at a darker side of winter's chill.
Etymological Timeline
Proto-Indo-European
PIE
*gel-
“to freeze or congeal, hinting at the essence of coldness.”
Proto-Germanic
PGmc
*kalda-
“pertaining to cold or coolness, reflecting a shared understanding of low temperatures.”
Old English
OE
cald
“cold, frosty, as used in various descriptions of weather and environment.”
Middle English
ME
cold
“the same as Old English, continuing to describe low temperatures.”
Modern English
English
cold
“used to denote low temperatures, expanding to metaphorical uses in emotion and demeanor.”