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frig·id

(frĭjĭd)

adj.

1. Extremely cold. See Synonyms at cold.

2. Lacking warmth of feeling.

3. Stiff and formal in manner: a frigid refusal to a request.

4. Showing little or no enthusiasm: Scientists gave the new theory a frigid reception.

5. Often Offensive Lacking sexual desire or unwilling to engage in sexual activity. Used especially of women.

[Latin frīgidus, cold, from frīgus, the cold.]

fri·gidi·ty (frĭ-jĭdĭ-tē), frigid·ness n.

frigid·ly adv.

Indo-European & Semitic Roots Appendices

Thousands of entries in the dictionary include etymologies that trace their origins back to reconstructed proto-languages. You can obtain more information about these forms in our online appendices:

Indo-European Roots

Semitic Roots

The Indo-European appendix covers nearly half of the Indo-European roots that have left their mark on English words. A more complete treatment of Indo-European roots and the English words derived from them is available in our Dictionary of Indo-European Roots.

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