COMMON COLD Definition & Meaning

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common cold

noun

cold ( def 21 ).

common cold

noun

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

common cold

/ ��ŏ��′ə�� /

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.

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51�Թ� History and Origins

Origin of common cold¹

First recorded in 1780–90

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Example Sentences

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Dave Coulier was doing OK with his chemotherapy for Stage 3 cancer, it seems — until he got knocked out by a common cold.

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For many, it can start with symptoms similar to the common cold, such as a runny nose, low-grade fever, and cough.

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From passengers coughing and sneezing on the bus to kids in daycare surrounded by multiple illnesses, the so-called common cold is a virus easily introduced to the body this time of year.

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

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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.

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