temperature

noun

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

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

What’s left from this mission — about three-quarters after scientific study, public displays and goodwill gifts to all countries and U.S. states in 1969 — is kept mostly here at room temperature. — Marcia Dunn, The Denver Post, "NASA to open moon rock samples sealed since Apollo missions," 26 June 2019 What’s left from this mission — about three-quarters after scientific study, public displays, and goodwill gifts to all countries and US states in 1969 — is kept mostly here at room temperature. — Marcia Dunn, BostonGlobe.com, "NASA unseals moon rock samples for the first time since the Apollo missions," 26 June 2019 Serve immediately, or store in a single layer in an airtight container at cool room temperature. — Wolfgang Puck, Twin Cities, "Wolfgang Puck: Everyone can celebrate July 4 with gluten-free, vegan cupcakes," 26 June 2019 Let stand at room temperature, tossing occasionally, 10 minutes. — Country Living Staff, Country Living, "Marinated Peppers and Onions," 26 June 2019 Pat thighs dry with paper towel and allow to sit at room temperature for about 15 minutes. — Ann Maloney, nola.com, "The thighs have it! Chicken pieces keep juicy flavor," 25 June 2019 Vitello tonnato, the classic Italian summer dish, typically uses veal roast or veal shoulder and is served at room temperature. — Rand Richards Cooper, courant.com, "The Federal, Agawam," 25 June 2019 Drain the pasta, drizzle with oil to coat, and let cool to room temperature. — Christian Burno, Dallas News, "New 'real wellness' cookbook encourages body positivity and a healthy relationship with food," 24 June 2019 Served at room temperature, the banh cuon was soft and slippery, pale and wrinkled in places like pruny fingertips, served with a sweet nuoc cham, or dipping sauce. — Tejal Rao, New York Times, "The Art of Banh Cuon, Vietnamese Rice Rolls," 20 June 2019

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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