temperature

tem·per·a·ture

noun
\ˈtem-pə(r)-ˌchu̇r, -p(ə-)rə-, -chər, -ˌtyu̇r, -ˌtu̇r\

Definition of TEMPERATURE

1

archaic a : complexion 1 b : temperament 3b

2

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>

3

a : relative state of emotional warmth <scandals raised the political temperature> b : mood <testing the temperature of voters>

Examples of TEMPERATURE

1. Water boils at a temperature of 212°F.
2. The samples are kept at a constant temperature.
3. The weatherman predicted unusually low temperatures for the area.
4. the normal body temperature of 98.6°F

Origin of TEMPERATURE

Latin temperatura mixture, moderation, from temperatus, past participle of temperare

First Known Use: 1533

Other Physics Terms

amplitude, centrifugal, centripetal, convection, gradient, hysteresis, kinetic, lase, quantum

Rhymes with TEMPERATURE

amateur, aperture, armature, blackamoor, carrefour, carte du jour, coinsure, commissure, confiture, connoisseur, coverture, curvature, cynosure, embouchure, epicure, filature, forfeiture, garniture, geniture, green-manure, haute couture, immature, insecure, ligature, manicure, overture, paramour, pedicure, plat du jour, portraiture, prelature, premature, quadrature, reassure, Reaumur, reinsure, saboteur, sepulture, sequitur, signature, simon-pure, sinecure, soup du jour, tablature, to be sure, troubadour, white amur, Yom Kippur