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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
This approach means the data may include other respiratory illnesses like RSV or the common cold.
—Abby Norman, Verywell Health, 6 Dec. 2024
Context: Whooping cough might start like a common cold, but the coughing can last for weeks or months.
—Joe Guillen, Axios, 27 Nov. 2024
The use of vitamin C after the onset of the common cold for treatment is unclear.
—Trang Tran, Pharmd, Verywell Health, 21 Nov. 2024
The onset of symptoms can look a lot like the common cold.
—Alix Martichoux, The Hill, 21 Nov. 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 15 Dec. 2024.
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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