common cold

noun

1. cold.

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

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

"Freshers' flu is just an assortment of common cold viruses that come and hit us all at the same time," says Dr Zania Stamataki, associate professor of viral immunology at the University of Birmingham.

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Antibiotics have no impact on viral infections, though - illnesses such as the common cold, flu or Covid.

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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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