Definition

Noun: A common cold primarily affecting the nasal passages and sinuses, characterized by symptoms such as nasal congestion, sneezing, and often a headache.

Usage

A "head cold" specifically describes a cold where symptoms are concentrated in the head, particularly the nose and sinuses. It is used to distinguish this type of cold from others that might primarily cause a sore throat or chest congestion. * I can't concentrate today; I have a terrible head cold. * Her head cold made it difficult for her to smell anything.

Advanced Usage

• "to be laid up with a head cold": To be forced to rest or stay in bed because of a head cold.
  • He was laid up with a head cold for three days.

Variants and Related Words

• Common cold (n): The general term for the viral infection of which a head cold is a common type.
• Nasal congestion (n): A primary symptom of a head cold.
• Rhinitis (n): The medical term for inflammation of the nasal mucous membrane, which is a feature of a head cold.

Synonyms

• Nasal cold: A less common synonym emphasizing the affected area.
• Upper respiratory infection (URI): A broader medical term that can include a head cold.

Related Idioms

• "Stuffed up": An informal idiom describing the feeling of nasal congestion from a head cold.
  • My nose is so stuffed up from this head cold.

Noun

1. a common cold affecting the nasal passages and resulting in congestion and sneezing and headache