As an adjective, “cold” means having a low temperature or lacking warmth. As a noun, it can mean a common illness that causes a runny nose and cough.
“Cold” comes from Old English “cald” or “ceald,” from Proto‑Germanic “kaldaz,” meaning “cold.” It is related to words in many Germanic languages with the same meaning.
We use “cold” for temperature, illness, and even emotions, as in a “cold look.” That blending of physical chill and social distance shows how deeply our bodies shape our metaphors for feelings.
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