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cool


1cool

adj \ˈkül\

Definition of COOL

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 <we used to fight, but we're cool now>
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

Examples of COOL

  1. The weather is cool today.
  2. The surface is cool to the touch.
  3. The plant grows best in cool climates.
  4. I'm feeling a little cool.
  5. We changed into some cooler clothes.
  6. She remained calm, cool, and collected.

Origin of COOL

Middle English col, from Old English cōl; akin to Old High German kuoli cool, Old English ceald cold — more at cold
First Known Use: before 12th century

Synonym Discussion of COOL

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>.

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