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 warmth2 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> cof 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 aof a color : producing an impression of being cool ; specifically : of a hue in the range violet through blue to green bof a musical tone : relatively lacking in timbre or resonance7slang 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>.