Main Entry: ¹cool

Pronunciation: \ˈkül\

Function: adjective

Etymology: Middle English col, from Old English cōl; akin to Old High German kuoli cool, Old English ceald cold — more at cold

Date: before 12th century

1 : moderately cold : lacking in warmth
2 a : marked by steady dispassionate calmness and self-control <a cool and calculating administrator — Current Biography> b : lacking ardor or friendliness <a cool impersonal manner> c of jazz : marked by restrained emotion and the frequent use of counterpoint d : free from tensions or violence <meeting with minority groups in an attempt to keep the city cool>
3 —used as an intensive <a cool million dollars>
4 : marked by deliberate effrontery or lack of due respect or discretion <a cool reply>
5 : facilitating or suggesting relief from heat <a cool dress>
6 a of a color : producing an impression of being cool; specifically : of a hue in the range violet through blue to green b of a musical tone : relatively lacking in timbre or resonance
7 slang a : very good : excellent; also : all right b : fashionable, hip <not happy with the new shoes…because they were not cool — Celestine Sibley>

— cool·ish \ˈkü-lish\ adjective

— cool·ly also cooly \ˈkü(l)-lē\ adverb

— cool·ness \ˈkül-nəs\ noun

synonyms cool, composed, collected, unruffled, imperturbable, nonchalant mean free from agitation or excitement. cool may imply calmness, deliberateness, or dispassionateness <kept a cool head>. composed implies freedom from agitation as a result of self-discipline or a sedate disposition <the composed pianist gave a flawless concert>. collected implies a concentration of mind that eliminates distractions especially in moments of crisis <the nurse stayed calm and collected>. unruffled suggests apparent serenity and poise in the face of setbacks or in the midst of excitement <harried but unruffled>. imperturbable implies coolness or assurance even under severe provocation <the speaker remained imperturbable despite the heckling>. nonchalant stresses an easy coolness of manner or casualness that suggests indifference or unconcern <a nonchalant driver>.