tem·per
(t
m
p
r)
KEY
VERB:
tem·pered
,
tem·per·ing
,
tem·pers
VERB:
tr.
- To modify by the addition of a moderating element; moderate:
"temper its doctrinaire logic with a little practical wisdom"
(Robert H. Jackson).
See Synonyms at moderate.
- To bring to a desired consistency, texture, hardness, or other physical condition by or as if by blending, admixing, or kneading:
temper clay; paints that had been tempered with oil.
- To harden or strengthen (metal or glass) by application of heat or by heating and cooling.
- To strengthen through experience or hardship; toughen:
soldiers who had been tempered by combat.
- To adjust finely; attune:
a portfolio that is tempered to the investor's needs.
-
Music
To adjust (the pitch of an instrument) to a temperament.
VERB:
intr.
- To be or become tempered.
NOUN:
- A state of mind or emotions; disposition:
an even temper.
See Synonyms at mood
1.
- Calmness of mind or emotions; composure:
lose one's temper.
-
- A tendency to become easily angry or irritable:
a quick temper.
- An outburst of rage:
a fit of temper.
- A characteristic general quality; tone:
heroes who exemplified the medieval temper; the politicized temper of the 1930s.
-
- The condition of being tempered.
- The degree of hardness and elasticity of a metal, chiefly steel, achieved by tempering.
- A modifying substance or agent added to something else.
-
Archaic
A middle course between extremes; a mean.
ETYMOLOGY:
Middle English
temperen, from Old English
temprian, from Latin
temper
re, probably from variant of
tempus
, tempor-,
time, season
OTHER FORMS:
tem
per·a·bili·ty
(Noun),
temper·a·ble
(Adjective),
temper·er
(Noun)
