Algidity

/ælˈɡɪdɪti/ noun

Definition

The quality or state of being cold; coldness or chilliness.

Etymology

From Latin algidus 'cold' plus the abstract noun suffix -ity. This formal noun emerged in medieval Latin medical writing and entered English through scientific terminology.

Kelly Says

The term 'algidity' appears in descriptions of shock and sepsis because the deadly combination of internal heat and external coldness was recognized as a critical sign long before doctors understood why it happened.

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