Definition of gelid

The word "gelid" is derived from the Latin word "gelātus" whose meaning is "frozen". In Latin, the past participle adjective form used to describe something that has been "frozen" is "gelātus". During the Middle Ages, the Old French word "gelés" was adopted from the Latin "gelātus". It then became "gelid" in Middle English during the 14th century by following the Anglo-Norman spelling, and eventually found its way into modern English. The adjective "gelid" refers to something that is extremely cold, almost freezing. It is often used to describe icy or frigid conditions, such as frozen lakes, or to denote the chilliness of bitterly cold weather. As an interesting note, the word "gelid" is sometimes used as a comparison to extremes of coldness, such as the "gelid grip of death" that is used in literature or script to describe dramatic and intense cold.