gelid

Merriam-Webster's Word of the Day for January 8, 2025 is "gelid," meaning extremely cold or icy. Gelid can describe weather, objects, or even a person's demeanor. The word has its roots in the Latin word for "frost" or "cold." Examples of gelid in use include "gelid winters" and "gelid waters." The word can also be used figuratively, such as to describe a person with a cold demeanor. The use of gelid in the context of ice cream highlights its ability to evoke a sense of coldness and warmth simultaneously.