“Blue from the cold” is a phrase that is often used to describe a person’s skin turning blue due to exposure to cold temperatures. This condition is also known as “cyanosis.” In this article, we will explore the definition, meaning, and origin of “blue from the cold.”
Definitions
“Blue from the cold” is a term used to describe the discoloration of the skin that occurs when a person is exposed to cold temperatures. This condition is caused by the body’s natural response to cold, which is to constrict blood vessels in the extremities to conserve heat. This can lead to a lack of oxygen in the blood, which causes the skin to turn blue.
Origin
The origin of the phrase “blue from the cold” is unclear, but it is likely that it has been used for centuries to describe the physical effects of exposure to cold temperatures. The term “cyanosis” comes from the Greek word “kyanos,” which means “dark blue.” The use of the term “blue” to describe the discoloration of the skin is likely a reference to the blue hue that the skin takes on when oxygen levels are low.
Meaning in different dictionaries
The phrase “blue from the cold” is not typically found in dictionaries, but the term “cyanosis” is defined as “a bluish discoloration of the skin and mucous membranes due to insufficient oxygen in the blood.” This definition is consistent with the meaning of “blue from the cold.”
Associations
The phrase “blue from the cold” is often associated with exposure to extreme cold, such as in winter weather or in situations where a person is not properly dressed for the weather. It can also be associated with medical conditions that affect the body’s ability to circulate oxygen, such as heart or lung disease.
Synonyms
Synonyms for “blue from the cold” include “cyanosis,” “cold-induced discoloration,” and “frostbite.”
Antonyms
Antonyms for “blue from the cold” include “warm,” “flushed,” and “rosy.”
The same root words
The root word for “cyanosis” is “kyanos,” which means “dark blue.” Other words that share this root include “cyanide,” “cyan,” and “cyanobacteria.”
Example Sentences
- After spending hours outside in the snow, my fingers turned blue from the cold.
- The doctor was concerned when she saw the patient’s lips had turned blue from the cold.
- She wrapped her scarf tightly around her neck to prevent her skin from turning blue from the cold.
“Blue from the cold” is a phrase used to describe the discoloration of the skin that occurs when a person is exposed to cold temperatures. This condition, known as “cyanosis,” is caused by a lack of oxygen in the blood. The phrase has likely been used for centuries to describe this physical effect of cold temperatures.