well-tempered

adjective

1
a
obsolete : properly constituted physically
a strong well-tempered stomachAlgernon Sydney
b
: having a good or equable disposition
especially : good-natured
a discreet and well-tempered officer George Grote
2
: treated so as to develop the desired degree of hardness and elasticity
well-tempered steel
a well-tempered sword blade
3
: mixed to the proper consistency
used especially of mortar and clay

Word History

Etymology

Middle English wel temperit, from wel well + temperit tempered

First Known Use

14th century, in the meaning defined at sense 1a

Time Traveler
The first known use of well-tempered was in the 14th century

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Dictionary Entries Near well-tempered

Cite this Entry

“Well-tempered.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/well-tempered. Accessed 28 Mar. 2024.

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