Definition of temperate

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tem·per·ate    (tmpr-t, tmprt) KEY 

ADJECTIVE:

1. Exercising moderation and self-restraint: learned to be temperate in eating and drinking.
2. Moderate in degree or quality; restrained: temperate criticism.
3. Characterized by moderate temperatures, weather, or climate; neither hot nor cold.
4. Biology Of or relating to a virus that infects bacterial cells but rarely causes lysis: temperate bacteriophages.

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ETYMOLOGY:
Middle English temperat, from Latin tempertus, from past participle of temperre, to temper ; see temper

OTHER FORMS:
temper·ate·ly(Adverb), temper·ate·ness(Noun)