Cryophilia

Part of speech: noun

Definitions

1. A strong attraction or preference for cold temperatures or cold environments ; an affinity for ice or frost ; an inclination to seek or enjoy chilly conditions
2. An unusual liking or fondness for low temperatures and frozen surroundings ; a tendency to favor cold climates or refrigeration ; a preference for conditions that are cool or icy
3. A psychological or biological inclination toward coldness or freezing states ; an attraction to icy places or temperatures ; a propensity to experience pleasure in cold weather or environments

Etymology: Cryophilia is a modern coinage built from two Greek elements: "kryos", meaning "icy cold" or "frost", and "philia", meaning "love" or "fondness for". The pattern is the same as in "bibliophilia" (love of books) or "hydrophilia" (affinity for water), so anyone who knows those words can read this one at a glance. The first element, "cryo-", is the one to watch. In modern English it is a live prefix in technical fields such as cryogenics and cryosurgery, where it refers to very low temperatures. "Cryophilia" takes that scientific prefix and attaches it to the old Greek suffix for affection, producing a term that describes a liking for cold rather than a physical condition. Because it is built from parts rather than inherited from an older English word, its meaning is transparent: it names a preference for cold environments or cold sensations.

Synonyms: cold-loving, psychrophilia

Antonyms: thermophilia, heat-loving