Definition of tempered
1
: treated by tempering;
especially, of glass
: treated so as to impart increased strength and the property of shattering into pellets when broken
2
: having a specified temper
—used in combination
- short-tempered
3 a
: having the elements mixed in satisfying proportions : temperate
b
: qualified, lessened, or diluted by the mixture or influence of an additional ingredient : moderated
- a pale gleam of tempered sunlight fell through the leaves
- —W. H. Hudson †1922
4
: conforming to adjustment by temperament
—used of a musical interval, intonation, semitone, or scale
