Definition

1. Noun:
   • A period of unusually cold weather: A "cold wave" is a meteorological event characterized by a rapid and significant drop in temperature over a large area, lasting for a period of days.

Usage

• The term "cold wave" is used to describe a specific weather phenomenon, often forecast by meteorologists. It implies temperatures that are substantially below the average for a region and the season.
• It is typically used in news reports, weather forecasts, and general discussions about climate and severe weather conditions.

Examples

• Noun:
  • The National Weather Service issued a warning for an incoming cold wave.
  • The sudden cold wave damaged many citrus crops in Florida.
  • During the cold wave, residents were advised to stay indoors and conserve heat.

Advanced Usage

• "to be hit by a cold wave": to experience a period of unusually cold weather.
  • The Midwest was hit by a severe cold wave last January.
• "a cold wave grips a region": describes a cold wave affecting an area intensely.
  • A bitter cold wave gripped the Northeast, bringing record-low temperatures.

Variants and Related Words

• Cold snap (n): A brief period of cold weather. (Note: A "cold snap" is often shorter than a "cold wave".)
  • We're expecting a cold snap this weekend.
• Cold front (n): The boundary of an advancing mass of cold air, which can cause a cold wave.
  • The cold front moving in from Canada will trigger a cold wave.

Synonyms

• Freeze: A period of freezing weather.
• Cold spell: A period of cold weather.

Related Phrases

• Arctic blast: A very intense and sudden influx of extremely cold air (often used in journalism).
  • The arctic blast caused schools to close.

Related Idioms

• To be left out in the cold: To be excluded or ignored. (Note: This idiom uses "cold" metaphorically and is not directly about weather, but it is a common phrase containing the word "cold".)
  • When the new project started, she felt left out in the cold.

Noun

1. a wave of unusually cold weather