- tem´per|a|ble
- tem|per «TEHM puhr», noun, verb.–n.1. state of mind; disposition; mood: »
She has a sweet temper. She was in no temper to be kept waiting.
SYNONYM(S): humor. See syn. under disposition. (Cf. ↑disposition)2. an angry state of mind: »He flies into a temper at trifles. In her temper she broke a vase.
3. a calm state of mind: »He became angry and lost his temper.
4. the hardness, toughness, or flexibility of a substance, given by tempering: »The temper of the clay was right for shaping.
5. a substance added to something to modify its properties or qualities.6. Archaic. a) a regulation; adjustment. b) a middle course; mean.7. Obsolete. the temperament.╂[< verb]–v.t.3. to bring to a proper or desired condition by mixing or preparing. A painter tempers his colors by mixing them with oil. »Clay is tempered by mixing or working it up with water.
4. to harden (glass or metals, especially steel) by heating and then cooling in oil, water, or other liquid: »The structure of steel is changed by tempering it at various temperatures (George S. Rose).
5. to tune or adjust the pitch of (a musical instrument, or voice, or a note).6. Obsolete. to fit, adapt, or make suitable (to).–v.i.to be or become tempered; be brought to a proper or desired condition by mixing or preparing.╂[Middle English tempren, Old English temprian < Latin temperāre (originally) observe due measure < tempus, -oris time. Compare etym. under tamper1. (Cf. ↑tamper)]–tem´per|a|ble, adjective.–tem´per|er, noun.
Useful english dictionary. 2012.
