common cold

noun

1. cold ( def 21 ).

common cold

noun

1. a mild viral infection of the upper respiratory tract, characterized by sneezing, coughing, watery eyes, nasal congestion, sore throat, etc

common cold

/ kŏm′ən /

1. A respiratory infection caused by any of several viruses, such as adenovirus or rhinovirus, in which the mucous membranes of the mouth, nose, and throat become inflamed. Common-cold symptoms include fever, nasal discharge, sneezing, and coughing.

Word History and Origins

Origin of common cold¹

First recorded in 1780–90

Example Sentences

Most cases of EV-D68 will be mild and feel like a common cold.

From Los Angeles Times

Enveloped viruses, like the coronavirus, can live up to five days on surfaces; nonenveloped viruses, including enteroviruses linked to the common cold, can live for weeks, in some cases even if the surfaces are disinfected.

From Science Daily

“A pharmacist is the front line of a health care setting where a patient gets advice on something as simple as common cold,” he says.

From Seattle Times

The ordeal began when Paul seemingly caught a common cold.

From Los Angeles Times

It’s more than a common cold when the state coughs up billions of buckets in red ink.

From Los Angeles Times