temper
- temper
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I. transitive verb
(tempered; tempering)
Etymology: Middle English, from Old English & Anglo-French; Old English temprian & Anglo-French temprer, from Latin temperare to moderate, mix, temper; probably akin to Latin tempor-, tempus time
Date: before 12th century
1. to dilute, qualify, or soften by the addition or influence of something else ; moderate <
temper justice with mercy
>
2. archaic
a. to exercise control over ; govern, restrain
b. to cause to be well disposed ; mollify <tempered and reconciled them both — Richard Steele
>
3. to bring to a suitable state by mixing in or adding a usually liquid ingredient: as
a. to mix (clay) with water or a modifier (as grog) and knead to a uniform texture
b. to mix oil with (colors) in making paint ready for use
4.
a.
(1) to soften (as hardened steel or cast iron) by reheating at a lower temperature
(2) to harden (as steel) by reheating and cooling in oil
b. to anneal or toughen (glass) by a process of gradually heating and cooling
5. to make stronger and more resilient through hardship ; toughen <troops tempered in battle
>
6.
a. to put in tune with something ; attune
b. to adjust the pitch of (a note, chord, or instrument) to a temperament
• temperable adjective
• temperer noun
II. noun
Date: 14th century
1.
a. archaic a suitable proportion or balance of qualities ; a middle state between extremes ; mean, medium <virtue is…a just temper between propensities — T. B. Macaulay
>
b. archaic character, quality <the temper of the land you design to sow — John Mortimer
>
c. characteristic tone ; trend <the temper of the times
>
d. high quality of mind or spirit ; courage
2.
a. the state of a substance with respect to certain desired qualities (as hardness, elasticity, or workability); especially the degree of hardness or resiliency given steel by tempering
b. the feel and relative solidity of leather
3.
a. a characteristic cast of mind or state of feeling ; disposition
b. calmness of mind ; composure
c. state of feeling or frame of mind at a particular time usually dominated by a single strong emotion
d. heat of mind or emotion ; proneness to anger ; passion <she has a real temper
>
4. a substance (as a metal) added to or mixed with something else (as another metal) to modify the properties of the latter
Synonyms: see disposition
New Collegiate Dictionary.
2001.
:
Look at other dictionaries:
Temper — Tem per, n. 1. The state of any compound substance which results from the mixture of various ingredients; due mixture of different qualities; just combination; as, the temper of mortar. [1913 Webster] 2. Constitution of body; temperament; in old… … The Collaborative International Dictionary of English
temper — [tem′pər] vt. [ME tempren < OE temprian & OFr temprer, both < L temperare, to observe proper measure, mix, regulate, forbear < tempus (gen. temporis), time, period, orig., a span < IE * tempos, a span < * temp , to pull < base * … English World dictionary
Temper — Tem per, v. t. [imp. & p. p. {Tempered}; p. pr. & vb. n. {Tempering}.] [AS. temprian or OF. temper, F. temp[ e]rer, and (in sense 3) temper, L. temperare, akin to tempus time. Cf. {Temporal}, {Distemper}, {Tamper}.] 1. To mingle in due… … The Collaborative International Dictionary of English
temper — [n1] state of mind atmosphere, attitude, attribute, aura, character, climate, complexion, condition, constitution, disposition, drift, frame of mind, humor, individualism, individuality, leaning, makeup, mind, mood, nature, orientation, outlook,… … New thesaurus
temper — ► NOUN 1) a person s state of mind in terms of their being angry or calm. 2) a tendency to become angry easily. 3) an angry state of mind. 4) the degree of hardness and elasticity in steel or other metal. ► VERB 1) improve the temper of (a metal) … English terms dictionary
temper — vb *moderate, qualify Analogous words: *adjust, regulate, fix: mitigate, alleviate, lighten, assuage, allay, *relieve: mollify, *pacify, appease Antonyms: intensify temper n 1 * … New Dictionary of Synonyms
Temper — Tem per, v. i. 1. To accord; to agree; to act and think in conformity. [Obs.] Shak. [1913 Webster] 2. To have or get a proper or desired state or quality; to grow soft and pliable. [1913 Webster] I have him already tempering between my finger and … The Collaborative International Dictionary of English
Temper — Temper. См. Отпуск. (Источник: «Металлы и сплавы. Справочник.» Под редакцией Ю.П. Солнцева; НПО Профессионал , НПО Мир и семья ; Санкт Петербург, 2003 г.) … Словарь металлургических терминов
temper — index abate (lessen), adapt, adjust (regulate), allay, alleviate, alter, animus … Law dictionary
temper — I UK [ˈtempə(r)] / US [ˈtempər] noun Word forms temper : singular temper plural tempers ** 1) [countable/uncountable] a tendency to get angry very quickly That temper of yours is going to get you into trouble. She should never have married a man… … English dictionary
temper — tem|per1 [ tempər ] noun ** 1. ) count or uncount a tendency to get angry very quickly: That temper of yours is going to get you into trouble. She should never have married a man with such a violent temper. have a short temper (=become angry very … Usage of the words and phrases in modern English
