Main Entry: tem·per·a·ment

Pronunciation: \ˈtem-p(ə-)rə-mənt, -pər-mənt\

Function: noun

Etymology: Middle English, from Latin temperamentum, from temperare to mix, temper

Date: 15th century

1 obsolete a : constitution of a substance, body, or organism with respect to the mixture or balance of its elements, qualities, or parts : makeup b : complexion 1
2 obsolete a : climate b : temperature 2
3 a : the peculiar or distinguishing mental or physical character determined by the relative proportions of the humors according to medieval physiology b : characteristic or habitual inclination or mode of emotional response <a nervous temperament> c : extremely high sensibility; especially : excessive sensitiveness or irritability
4 a : the act or process of tempering or modifying : adjustment, compromise b : middle course : mean
5 : the slight modification of acoustically pure intervals in tuning a musical instrument; especially : modification that produces a set of 12 equally spaced tones to the octave

synonyms see disposition