chilliness

Chilliness refers to a sensation of coldness, often accompanied by shivering. It can be a subjective feeling experienced by an individual, or it can be an objective environmental condition. In humans, chilliness is a physiological response to a drop in body temperature, triggering involuntary muscle contractions (shivering) to generate heat. This response is part of the body's thermoregulation system, designed to maintain a stable internal temperature.

Environmental chilliness is determined by factors such as ambient air temperature, humidity, and wind speed. Low temperatures, high humidity, and strong winds can all contribute to a feeling of chilliness. Wind chill is a measure that quantifies how cold the air feels to exposed skin due to the combined effect of temperature and wind speed.

Beyond a simple sensation of cold, chilliness can also be a symptom of underlying medical conditions. Infections, particularly those causing fever, often manifest with initial chills as the body's temperature rises. Other causes can include hormonal imbalances, anemia, or even certain medications. In some cases, a persistent or unusual chilliness might warrant medical attention. The perception of chilliness can also be influenced by factors such as age, body fat percentage, and overall health.