tem|per

tem|per
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.
1. to moderate; soften: »

Temper justice with mercy.

2. to check; restrain; curb.
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.

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  • tem´per|er — 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) …   Useful english dictionary

  • tem|per|a — «TEHM puhr uh», noun. 1. a method of painting in which colors are mixed with white or yolk of egg, the whole egg, or other substances instead of oil. 2. the paints used. ╂[< Italian tempera < temperare to temper < Latin temperāre.… …   Useful english dictionary

  • tem´per|ate|ness — tem|per|ate «TEHM puhr iht, priht», adjective. 1. not very hot, and not very cold: »a temperate climate. 2. moderate; self restrained; using self control: »She spoke in a temperate manner, not favoring either side especially. SYNONYM(S): calm,… …   Useful english dictionary

  • tem´per|ate|ly — tem|per|ate «TEHM puhr iht, priht», adjective. 1. not very hot, and not very cold: »a temperate climate. 2. moderate; self restrained; using self control: »She spoke in a temperate manner, not favoring either side especially. SYNONYM(S): calm,… …   Useful english dictionary

  • tem|per|ate — «TEHM puhr iht, priht», adjective. 1. not very hot, and not very cold: »a temperate climate. 2. moderate; self restrained; using self control: »She spoke in a temperate manner, not favoring either side especially. SYNONYM(S): calm, dispassionate …   Useful english dictionary

  • 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) …   Useful english dictionary

  • tem´per|a|men´tal|ly — tem|per|a|men|tal «TEHM puhr uh MEHN tuhl, pruh », adjective. 1. subject to moods and whims; easily irritated; sensitive. 2. showing a strongly marked individual temperament. 3. due to temperament; constitutional: »Cats have a temperamental… …   Useful english dictionary

  • tem|per|a|men|tal — «TEHM puhr uh MEHN tuhl, pruh », adjective. 1. subject to moods and whims; easily irritated; sensitive. 2. showing a strongly marked individual temperament. 3. due to temperament; constitutional: »Cats have a temperamental dislike for water.… …   Useful english dictionary

  • tem|per|a|ment — «TEHM puhr uh muhnt, pruh », noun. 1. a person s nature; make up; disposition: »She has a nervous temperament. Her highly strung temperament made her uncertain…capricious…enchanting (George Bernard Shaw). SYNONYM(S): See syn. under disposition.… …   Useful english dictionary

  • tem|per|ance — «TEHM puhr uhns, pruhns», noun. 1. the state or quality of being moderate in action, speech, or habits; self control: »Temperance should be applied not only to food and drink but also to work and play. 2. the state or quality of being moderate in …   Useful english dictionary

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