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Gelid: meaning, definitions and examples

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gelid

 

[ˈdʒɛlɪd ]

Definition

Context #1 | Adjective

temperature description

Gelid refers to something that is extremely cold or icy. This adjective is often used to describe temperatures that are so low they can cause discomfort or even danger. The term captures a sense of intense chill that can be felt in the atmosphere or in physical objects. In literature, gelid is sometimes employed to convey a mood of despair or isolation through the harshness of cold.

Synonyms

chilly, freezing, frigid, icy, polar.

Examples of usage

  • The gelid winds swept across the plains.
  • We had to brave the gelid temperatures at the summit.
  • The gelid waters of the lake deterred most swimmers.
  • I could feel the gelid touch of the ice on my skin.

Interesting Facts

Etymology

  • The word 'gelid' comes from the Latin word 'gelidus', which means 'frozen' or 'icy'.
  • It has been used in English since the late 15th century to describe extremely cold conditions.

Science

  • In physical sciences, the term can be applied to describe temperatures near freezing points.
  • Gelid conditions can influence ecological systems, particularly in polar regions where life adapts to extreme cold.

Literature

  • Writers often use 'gelid' to evoke a strong sense of coldness, enhancing the mood in descriptions of winter scenes or barren landscapes.
  • Famous authors such as Edgar Allan Poe have incorporated themes of coldness in their works, linking the term to death and desolation.

Popular Culture

  • 'Gelid' is often used in fantasy or horror genres to describe settings that are unsettlingly cold, adding to the atmosphere.
  • In movies and video games, locations characterized as 'gelid' often represent danger, bringing tension to the storyline.

Psychology

  • The sensation of coldness can evoke different emotional responses, such as fear or discomfort, which can be linked to the concept of 'gelid'.
  • In literature and film, cold settings are frequently used to symbolize isolation or detachment in characters.

Translations

Translations of the word "gelid" in other languages:

🇵🇹 gelado

🇮🇳 जमीन

🇩🇪 eiskalt

🇮🇩 dingin

🇺🇦 ледяний

🇵🇱 lodowaty

🇯🇵 氷の

🇫🇷 glacial

🇪🇸 gelido

🇹🇷 buz gibi

🇰🇷 얼음 같은

🇸🇦 جليدي

🇨🇿 ledový

🇸🇰 ľadový

🇨🇳 冰冷的

🇸🇮 ledeni

🇮🇸 ís kaldur

🇰🇿 мұздай

🇬🇪 ყინულის

🇦🇿 donmuş

🇲🇽 gélido

Word Frequency Rank

At position #40,023, this word is among the less frequently used terms in English. While interesting to know, it's not crucial for most English learners unless needed for specific purposes.