algidus

Algidus is a Latin adjective meaning cold, chilly, or frosty. It is often used in literature to describe the weather, a season, or even a feeling. For instance, Virgil uses algidus in the Aeneid to describe a cold winter night. The word can also be employed metaphorically to denote something that is unemotional or lacking in warmth, such as an algidus reception or an algidus silence. Its root is believed to be connected to the Latin verb algere, meaning to be cold. While primarily an adjective, it can sometimes appear in its noun form, algor, referring to coldness or chill. The term's usage emphasizes a degree of biting or penetrating cold, rather than a mere mild coolness. Its presence in classical texts highlights the importance of sensory descriptions in ancient writing.