The weather got warm again after a cold spell, making the ice on the lake start to break up.



I can't figure out the meaning of "a cold spell." Does it refer to "a cold front" or "a cold period" or something else? Thanks.

 

Judging from the context, it means a period of time that's very cold. It's so cold that people start to think the weather is under a "cold spell". (I think)

 

Nichec is partially right; it means a period of time, but does not refer to a magic "spell."

Here's the relevant definition from MerriamWebster.com:

3 a : an indeterminate period of time <waited a spell before advancing>; also : a continuous period of time <did a spell in prison> b : a stretch of a specified type of weather

 

Ohoh, thanks!

I learn something new here everyday!

 

Thanks, my dear friends.

 

A spell is a certain period of time. Sometimes when I would be working with my grandmother, she would say, "Let's rest a spell before we finish this task."

"Remember that cold spell we had last spring when all the flowers froze?"

 

Thanks, mjscott, for your grandma's talk. It impresses me deeply.

 

That reminds me of my grandmother, too! I don't think I've heard anyone say "let's rest a spell" since she passed away.

It just struck me that although people still say "cold spell" they never say "hot spell." It's always "heat wave."