Pronunciation: [hˈɑːʃ kˈə͡ʊld] (IPA) 
The spelling of "harsh cold" may seem straightforward at first glance, but its IPA phonetic transcription highlights some of its nuances. "Harsh" is pronounced /hɑːʃ/, indicating an initial "h" sound, a long "a" sound, and a "sh" sound, while "cold" is pronounced /kəʊld/, indicating a "k" sound, a long "o" sound, and a "ld" sound. Together, the two words create a phrase that evokes an icy, unforgiving atmosphere.
Harsh cold refers to extreme, severe, or unyielding cold temperatures that are significantly lower than average or comfortable levels. This term is used to describe a particular type of cold weather that is characterized by its intensity, piercing nature, and the difficulties it poses to humans, animals, and the environment.
When referring to weather conditions, harsh cold suggests a bitter, biting, or chilling environment. It is typically associated with freezing temperatures, icy winds, and frigid climates that can cause discomfort, distress, and potential harm to living beings. Harsh cold often signifies temperatures well below freezing, approaching or exceeding sub-zero levels.
In a physiological sense, harsh cold affects the human body by constricting blood vessels, reducing circulation, and potentially leading to frostbite or hypothermia if proper precautions and protection are not taken. The extreme cold can feel unbearable, causing shivering, numbness, and stiffness. Harsh cold conditions can also impact infrastructure and machinery, as the freezing temperatures may cause pipes to burst, surfaces to become icy and slippery, or mechanical equipment to malfunction.
Overall, the term "harsh cold" captures the severity and unforgiving nature of extremely low temperatures, highlighting the challenges it poses to both the natural world and human activities.
The etymology of the word "harsh cold" can be understood by examining each word individually:
1. Harsh: The word "harsh" originated from the Old English word "heorsc", which means rough, severe, or unpleasant. It can be traced back to the Proto-Germanic word "harskaz", meaning rough or sour. Over time, the word "harsh" evolved in Middle English to represent something that is unkind, severe, or stern. It retained its meaning when describing something that is not smooth or gentle. In the context of weather, "harsh" is often used to describe extreme or severe conditions.
2. Cold: The word "cold" originated from the Old English word "cald", which meant cool or moderately cold. It came from the Proto-Germanic word "kaldaz", which has the same meaning.
