temperature

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noun tem·per·a·ture \ˈtem-pə(r)-ˌchu̇r, -p(ə-)rə-, -chər, -ˌtyu̇r, -ˌtu̇r\

Definition of temperature

1a : degree of hotness or coldness measured on a definite scaleb : the degree of heat that is natural to the body of a living beingc : abnormally high body heat running a temperature
2a : relative state of emotional warmth scandals raised the political temperatureb : mood testing the temperature of voters
3 archaic a : complexion 1b : temperament 1a

See temperature defined for English-language learners

See temperature defined for kids

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

Origin and Etymology of temperature

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

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First Known Use: 1533

See Words from the same year

Other Physics Terms

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

TEMPERATURE Defined for English Language Learners

temperature

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noun

Definition of temperature for English Language Learners

: a measurement that indicates how hot or cold something is : a measurement in degrees showing the heat of something (such as air or water)
: a measurement of the heat in a person's body
: a level of heat that is above what is normal for the human body

TEMPERATURE Defined for Kids

temperature

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noun tem·per·a·ture \ˈtem-pə-rə-ˌchu̇r, -prə-ˌchu̇r, -pə-ˌchu̇r, -chər\

Definition of temperature for Students

1 : degree of hotness or coldness as measured on a scale
2 : abnormally high body heat : fever

Word Root of temperature

The Latin word temperāre, meaning “to make mild,” “to control,” or “to soften,” gives us the root temper. Words from the Latin temperāre have something to do with mildness or control. To temper is to soften or make something less strong or difficult. Someone temperamental has little control over her or his mood and reactions to people and events. Temperature, or the degree of hotness or coldness, tells whether something is mild, too hot, or too cold.

Medical Dictionary

temperature

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noun tem·per·a·ture \ˈtem-pə(r)-ˌchu̇(ə)r, -p(ə-)rə-, -chər, -ˌt(y)u̇(ə)r\

Medical Definition of temperature

1: degree of hotness or coldness measured on a definite scale—see thermometer
2a: the degree of heat that is natural to a living body a normal oral temperature of about 98.6°Fb: a condition of abnormally high body heat was running a temperature