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common cold
noun
: an acute disease of the upper respiratory tract that is marked by inflammation of the mucous membranes of the nose, throat, eyes, and eustachian tubes and by a watery then purulent discharge and is caused by any of several viruses (such as a rhinovirus or an adenovirus)
Examples of common cold in a Sentence
Recent Examples on the Web
May Shorten the Duration of Cold and Flu Symptoms
Elderberry may help shorten the duration of symptoms associated with the common cold or flu.
—Kirstyn Hill, Pharmd, Mph, Health, 1 Jan. 2025
Its initial symptoms are mild — similar to those of the common cold — and tend to last for one to two weeks, while its later symptoms are more severe and typically last for one to six weeks or more.
—Sam Walters, Discover Magazine, 31 Dec. 2024
There is no vaccine for the common cold, which is caused by rhinoviruses.
—Eduardo Cuevas, USA TODAY, 16 Dec. 2024
Even a mild bout of the common cold could lead to people feeling exhausted.
—Katia Hetter, CNN, 12 Dec. 2024
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Word History
First Known Use
1713, in the meaning defined above
Dictionary Entries Near common cold
Cite this Entry
“Common cold.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/common%20cold. Accessed 26 Jan. 2025.
Kids Definition
common cold
noun
: a contagious viral illness of the structures used in breathing which causes the nose and throat to be sore, swollen, and inflamed and in which there is usually much mucus and coughing and sneezing
Medical Definition
common cold
noun
: an acute contagious disease of the upper respiratory tract that is marked by inflammation of the mucous membranes of the nose, throat, eyes, and eustachian tubes with a watery then purulent discharge and is caused by any of several viruses (as a rhinovirus or an adenovirus)
More from Merriam-Webster on common cold
Nglish: Translation of common cold for Spanish Speakers
Britannica.com: Encyclopedia article about common cold
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