temperate

tem·per·ate

adjective \ˈtem-p(ə-)rət\

Definition of TEMPERATE

1

: marked by moderation: as

a : keeping or held within limits : not extreme or excessive : mild

b : moderate in indulgence of appetite or desire

c : moderate in the use of alcoholic beverages

d : marked by an absence or avoidance of extravagance, violence, or extreme partisanship

2

a : having a moderate climate which especially lacks extremes in temperature

b : found in or associated with a moderate climate <temperate insects>

3

: existing as a prophage in infected cells and rarely causing lysis <temperate bacteriophages>

— tem·per·ate·ly adverb

— tem·per·ate·ness noun

Examples of TEMPERATE

1. They had a temperate discussion.
2. He is a temperate man.

Origin of TEMPERATE

Middle English temperat, from Latin temperatus, from past participle of temperare

First Known Use: 14th century

Related to TEMPERATE

Synonyms

moderate

Antonyms

immoderate, intemperate

Related Words

controlled, curbed, disciplined, inhibited, restrained, self-controlled, self-denying, self-disciplined; calculated, deliberate, measured; levelheaded, rational, reasonable, sensible; average, mediocre, medium, modest, run-of-the-mill, run-of-the-mine (or run-of-mine), so-so; normal, ordinary, regular, routine, typical, usual

Near Antonyms

excessive, extreme, inordinate, radical; irrational, unreasonable, unreasoning; extremist, fanatic (or fanatical), rabid; unbridled, unchecked, uncontrolled, unrestrained

Other Climate/Meteorology Terms

monsoon, occlusion, ozone, rime, squall, zephyr

tem·per·ate

adjective \ˈtem-p(ə-)rət\   (Medical Dictionary)

Medical Definition of TEMPERATE

1

: marked by moderation; especially : moderate in the use of intoxicating liquors

2

: existing as a prophage in infected cells and rarely causing lysis <temperate bacteriophages>

—tem·per·ate·ly adverb