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

Higher global surface temperatures raise the possibility of more droughts and of more-intense storms. — Ruth Hopkins, Teen Vogue, "The Climate Disaster We Fear Is Already Happening," 22 Apr. 2019 Urbanist Peter Calthorpe calculated that through urban densification alone, the United States could achieve half the carbon reductions needed to hold global temperatures to a rise of 2 degrees Celsius (4 degrees Fahrenheit). — Patrick Sisson, Curbed, "As cities confront climate change, is density the answer?," 11 Dec. 2018 While her baby was in another room being treated for low body temperature and jaundice, Cotterell underwent a cholecystectomy. — Kate Wehr, Good Housekeeping, "Gallstones Are the Pregnancy Complication No One Warned Me About," 18 Apr. 2019 In the parts of the U.S. that aren't going to receive precipitation, people should still bundle up: there's a high chance of strong winds and low temperatures. — Kelly O'sullivan, Country Living, "A Brutal Spring Snow Storm Is Going to Slam 200 Million People Across the U.S. This Week," 9 Apr. 2019 If temperatures dip below that range, your air plant might die. — Brittney Morgan, House Beautiful, "Everything You Need to Know About Caring for Air Plants," 25 Mar. 2019 The latter is not based on celestial occurrences, but instead the annual temperature cycle and the 12-month calendar. — Jill Gleeson, Country Living, "What Exactly Is the Spring Equinox?," 19 Mar. 2019 Idaho has similar soil and similar temperatures [to other Pacific Northwest areas], but there is an advantage to being a new, young wine-maker in... — Ari Bendersky, WSJ, "The Surprising Resurgence of American Wine," 14 Mar. 2019 From March 10 through March 23, the beloved retailer will be offering something even better than warmer temperatures: two weeks of sales on some of your favorite beauty products. — Alexis Rhiannon, Allure, "Target's 14 Days of Deals Event Is Packed With Beauty Products, and I Want It All," 13 Mar. 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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