Main Entry:

¹tem·per

Pronunciation:

\ˈtem-pər\

Function:

transitive verb

Inflected Form(s):

tem·pered; tem·per·ing \-p(ə-)riŋ\

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>2archaic 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 usu. 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 cooling5: 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