common cold

Definition of common cold in English English dictionary: A very common, mild viral infection of the nose and throat, whose symptoms include sneezing, sniffling, a running or blocked nose, a sore throat, coughing and a headache; a mild viral infection involving the nose and respiratory passages (but not the lungs); "will they never find a cure for the common cold?"; common virus infection of the respiratory tract; The common cold is a mild illness. If you have it, your nose is blocked or runny and you have a sore throat or a cough. a slight illness in which your throat hurts and it is difficult to breathe normally = cold. Viral infection of the upper and sometimes the lower respiratory tract. Symptoms, which are relatively mild, include sneezing, fatigue, sore throat, and stuffy or runny nose (but not fever); they usually last only a few days. About 200 different strains of virus can produce colds; they are spread by direct or indirect contact. The cold is the most common of all illnesses; the average person gets several every year. Incidence peaks in the fall. Treatment involves rest, adequate fluid intake, and over-the-counter remedies for the symptoms. Antibiotics do not combat the virus but may be given if secondary infections develop; flu
common colds: plural form of common cold

common cold

Hyphenation

com·mon Cold

kämın kōld

/ˈkämən ˈkōld/ /ˈkɑːmən ˈkoʊld/

[ 'kä-m&n ] (adjective.) 13th century. Middle English commun, from Old French, from Latin communis; more at MEAN.

History

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