cold-weather
Meaning
relating to or suitable for cold climatic conditions
Structure
Usage
You'll need proper cold-weather gear for the expedition to the Arctic.
This breed of cattle is remarkably resilient to cold-weather conditions.
The manual includes a section on cold-weather starting procedures for the engine.
Etymology
The compound adjective "cold-weather" is a transparent combination of two ancient Germanic roots. "Cold" descends from the Proto-Germanic kaldaz, itself from the Proto-Indo-European root gel- meaning "cold" or "to freeze." "Weather" originates from Proto-Germanic wedrą, meaning "wind" or "weather," likely from the PIE root we- "to blow." The compound's logic is entirely literal, directly combining the concept of low temperature ("cold") with the atmospheric conditions ("weather") to describe phenomena, gear, or activities associated with such climates. Its formation follows the productive English pattern of creating specific descriptive terms by joining two foundational, concrete nouns.
Analysis
- cold: From Old English cald, ceald, of Germanic origin; related to Dutch koud and German kalt. Functions as an adjective describing low temperature. - weather: From Old English weder, of Germanic origin; related to Dutch weer and German Wetter. Functions as a noun meaning the state of the atmosphere.