temper

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 * ten-, to stretch > THIN]

1. to make suitable, desirable, or free from excess by mingling with something else; reduce in intensity, esp. by the admixture of some other quality; moderate; assuage; mollify [to temper criticism with reason]

2.

a) to bring to the proper texture, consistency, hardness, etc. by mixing with something or treating in some way [to temper paints with oil, to temper steel by heating and sudden cooling, to temper clay by moistening and kneading]

b) to toughen, as by rigors or trying experiences

3. Rare to fit; adapt

4. Archaic to mix in proper proportions

5. Music to adjust the pitch of (a note) or tune (an instrument) according to some temperament

vi.

to be or become tempered

n.

1. the state of being tempered; specif.,

a) Archaic a properly proportioned mixture

b) the state of a metal with regard to the degree of hardness and resilience

2. frame of mind; disposition; mood [in a bad temper]

3. calmness of mind; composure: now only in the phrases lose one's temper and keep one's temper

4. a tendency to become angry readily [to have a temper]

5. anger; rage [to go into a temper]

6. something used to temper a mixture, etc.

7. the trend in thought and feeling (of an era, period, etc.); character [the temper of the times, the modern temper]

8. Archaic a middle course; mean

9. Obs. character; quality

SYN.- DISPOSITION, MOOD¹

temperability

n.

temperable

adj.

temperer

n.