temperature

noun

Save Word

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 Touchless temperature checks will be taken at the door. — Susan Dunne, courant.com, "Dinosaurs star at Six Flags and Connecticut Science Center, plus other places to find the prehistoric creatures," 13 Apr. 2021 Higginson also noticed the difference between the strict temperature checks and mask requirement at Lucas Oil Stadium and the much more relaxed standards at night clubs and restaurants. — Binghui Huang, The Indianapolis Star, "Indianapolis and the NCAA meticulously planned March Madness. Except for the workers.," 11 Apr. 2021 Other safety protocols include: Requiring employees to wear face coverings and gloves and undergo daily temperature checks. — Kimi Robinson, The Arizona Republic, "Salt River Tubing is opening for summer 2021. Here are prices, hours and what to expect," 8 Apr. 2021 Coronavirus precautions the business has taken include, social distancing tables, having employees and customers wear masks, and doing health screenings and temperature checks with employees before their shifts. — Hannah Kirby, Milwaukee Journal Sentinel, "Mushrooms in tea? Hartland's Birch & Banyan launched wellness drinks just in time for flu season and coronavirus," 6 Apr. 2021 Instead of requiring the vaccine, IOC said athletes will partake in regular temperature checks and screenings for COVID-19 in order to ensure the safety of all attending the event. — Mike Brest, Washington Examiner, "North Korea opts out of Tokyo Olympics," 6 Apr. 2021 State education officials recently said schools no longer need to do temperature checks for every student entering the building. — Olivia Krauth, The Courier-Journal, "Following smooth elementary return, JCPS middle and high schools to reopen Monday," 4 Apr. 2021 Brenda had heard about the rules that come with Project Roomkey: the curfews, the temperature checks to screen for COVID-19, the lack of privacy. — Los Angeles Times, "Column: A week later, here’s what happened to some of the homeless people booted from Echo Park," 3 Apr. 2021 To qualify to work at the office, employees must take daily health screenings and temperature checks at home. — Jessica Flores, San Francisco Chronicle, "When S.F., Bay Area companies are reopening offices: Facebook, Google, Uber and more," 2 Apr. 2021

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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