temperature

noun

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tem·per·a·ture | \ ˈtem-pər-ˌchu̇r

, ˈtem-pə-, -p(ə-)rə-, -chər, -ˌtyu̇r, -ˌtu̇r

Definition of temperature

1a : 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

2a : 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

More Example Sentences Phrases Containing temperature Learn More About temperature

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 Open-cell technology helps airflow and better temperature regulation. — Mike Richard, Men's Health, 20 May 2022 Use the wood pellet grill for easy temperature control and consistent results. — Nicole Papantoniou, Good Housekeeping, 20 May 2022 The dew point means the temperature to which air must be cooled to become saturated with water vapor. — Raphael Romero Ruiz, The Arizona Republic, 20 May 2022 The rate of sourdough maturation after feeding depends on a number of other factors as well, most notably the types of flours, the qualities of the water, the strength & diversity of the culture, and the ambient temperature. — Benjamin, Longreads, 20 May 2022 Are there additional ways to take temperature checks of employees outside of what is already being done? — Janice Gassam Asare, Forbes, 20 May 2022 Stage 2 is deeper, but still light, and body temperature begins to drop as metabolism slows and muscles relax even more. — Bryant Stamford, The Courier-Journal, 19 May 2022 Aside from swimwear, the key to finding worthy pieces is to find things that are temperature friendly, allow some sort of breeze to pass through and that are stylish of course. — Greg Emmanuel, Essence, 19 May 2022 This is a ranch-style home, and the temperature is kept at 70 degrees. — Abigail Van Buren, oregonlive, 19 May 2022 See More

These example sentences are selected automatically from various online news sources to reflect current usage of the word 'temperature.' Views expressed in the examples do not represent the opinion of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.

History and Etymology for temperature

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

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