temper

¹tem·per

transitive verb \ˈtem-pər\

tem·peredtem·per·ing \-p(ə-)riŋ\

Definition of TEMPER

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

— tem·per·able \-p(ə-)rə-bəl\ adjective

— tem·per·er \-pər-ər\ noun

Examples of TEMPER

1. The steel must be properly tempered.

Origin of TEMPER

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

First Known Use: before 12th century

Other Handicraft Terms

biscuit, darn, tambour, wrought

²temper

noun

Definition of TEMPER

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

Examples of TEMPER

1. She has a bad temper.
2. That boy has quite a temper.
3. He needs to learn to control his temper.
4. She hit him in a fit of temper.
5. He slammed the door and left in a temper.
6. It's often difficult for parents not to lose their tempers.
7. He is in a pleasant temper.

First Known Use of TEMPER

14th century

Related to TEMPER

Synonyms

air, ambience (or ambiance), aroma, atmosphere, climate, flavor, halo, karma, mood, nimbus, note, odor, patina, smell, aura, vibration(s)

Related Words

aureole (or aureola), mystique, romance; genius loci; feel, feeling, sensation, sense, spirit; attribute, character, characteristic, image, mark, notion, peculiarity, picture, property, trait; color, illusion, overtone, semblance, suggestion, tone

See Synonym Discussion at disposition

Other Metals and Metallurgy Terms

assay, bloom, bullion, ductile, ingot, malleable, patina, plate, tensile