Gelid

/ˈdʒɛlɪd/ adjective

Definition

Extremely cold; frozen or icy in temperature or manner, often used to describe something that chills you to the bone.

Etymology

From Latin gelidus meaning 'icy' or 'cold,' derived from gelu (frost or ice); the word entered English in the 16th century and has remained a literary term for extreme coldness.

Kelly Says

Gelid is the fancy word poets and authors use instead of 'cold'—it sounds sharper and more biting, which actually matches what extreme cold feels like!

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