temper

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

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See Synonym Discussion at disposition

Other Metals and Metallurgy Terms

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