gelidness

Gelidness is the state or quality of being gelid, that is, extremely cold or icy. It can describe physical temperature—such as gelid air, wind, or water—and by extension an atmosphere that feels stark or unwelcoming. It is also used to describe a cold or impassive demeanor, where warmth and sympathy are notably lacking.

Etymology: The adjective gelid comes from Latin gelidus, meaning frost-covered or cold, related to gelu, meaning frost. The noun gelidity or gelidness emerged in English to denote the quality of being gelid.

Usage: Gelidness is more common in literary or descriptive prose than in casual speech. It emphasizes starkness, isolation, or an inhospitable setting, such as a gelid winter night or a gelid cavern. Metaphorically, it can describe a person’s temperament as emotionally cold or distant.

Examples: The gelidness of the cave's air made each breath feel sharp. His gelidness toward the pleas betrayed no remorse.

See also: frigidness, coldness, iciness, gelidity.