temperature

noun

tem·​per·​a·​ture ˈtem-pər-ˌchu̇r 

ˈtem-pə-,

-p(ə-)rə-,

-chər,

-ˌtyu̇r,

-ˌtu̇r 

1

a

: degree of hotness or coldness measured on a definite scale

b

: the degree of heat that is natural to the body of a living being

c

: abnormally high body heat

running a temperature

2

a

: relative state of emotional warmth

scandals raised the political temperature

b

: mood

testing the temperature of voters

3

archaic

a

: complexion sense 1

b

: temperament sense 1a

Examples of temperature in a Sentence

Water boils at a temperature of 212°F.

The samples are kept at a constant temperature.

The weatherman predicted unusually low temperatures for the area.

the normal body temperature of 98.6°F

Recent Examples on the Web

The continuing climb of global average temperature due to humanity’s burning of fossil fuels also threatens to exacerbate matters. —Grace Toohey, Los Angeles Times, 25 Apr. 2024

Overnight temperatures are forecast to fall into the upper 20s and low 30s with the potential for widespread frost. —Alex Groth, Journal Sentinel, 24 Apr. 2024

But experts warn that climate change has made air quality harder to manage in spite of policies designed to protect it, especially as growing sections of the country grapple with soaring temperatures, longstanding drought and unprecedented wildfires. —Emily Mae Czachor, CBS News, 24 Apr. 2024

Findings from a new report commissioned by Consumer Reports and consulting firm ICF analyzed how much rising global temperatures could cost current and future generations based on data about carbon emissions: about $500k. —Jasmine Browley, Essence, 23 Apr. 2024

Hardy and Berger said their primary physician heard numerous stories from Ovation, including temperature, pH issues and others. —Nathaniel Percy, Orange County Register, 23 Apr. 2024

The temperature reached that momentous reading in Phoenix on Sunday, April 21. —Bill Goodykoontz, The Arizona Republic, 22 Apr. 2024

At the same time, the Ivory Coast in West Africa will lose outdoor days due to scorching hot temperatures. —Abby Montanez, Robb Report, 22 Apr. 2024

With the above-average rainfall this year, followed by the recent sun and higher temperatures, flowers and plants are popping all over the county. —U-T Staff, San Diego Union-Tribune, 12 Apr. 2024

Word History

Etymology

borrowed from Latin temperātūra "mixture of substances in proper proportion, adjustment between extremes, mean," from temperātus, past participle of temperāre "to moderate, bring to a proper strength or consistency by mixing, maintain in a state of balance" + -ūra -ure — more at temper entry 2

First Known Use

1533, in the meaning defined at sense 3

Phrases Containing temperature

• body temperature
• color temperature
• raise/lower the temperature
• room temperature
• run a temperature
• take someone's temperature
• temperature inversion

Kids Definition

temperature

noun

tem·​per·​a·​ture ˈtem-pə(r)-ˌchu̇r  ˈtem-p(ə-)rə-ˌchu̇r 

-chər

1

: the degree of hotness or coldness of something (as air, water, or the body) as shown by a thermometer

2

: fever sense 1a

have a temperature

Medical Definition

temperature

noun

tem·​per·​a·​ture ˈtem-pə(r)-ˌchu̇(ə)r  -p(ə-)rə- 

-chər,

-ˌt(y)u̇(ə)r

1

: degree of hotness or coldness measured on a definite scale see thermometer

2

a

: the degree of heat that is natural to a living body

a normal oral temperature of about 98.6°F

b

: a condition of abnormally high body heat

was running a temperature