Dictionary entries for 'temper'

Synonyms

tem·per (tĕḿpər)

[Middle English temperen, from Old English temprian, from Latin temperāre, probably from variant of tempus, tempor-, time, season.]

verb: -pered, -per·ing, -pers.

To modify by the addition of a moderating element; moderate: “temper its doctrinaire logic with a little practical wisdom” (Robert H. Jackson) See synonyms at moderate
To bring to a desired consistency, texture, hardness, or other physical condition by or as if by blending, admixing, or kneading: temper clay; paints that had been tempered with oil.
To harden or strengthen (metal or glass) by application of heat or by heating and cooling.
To strengthen through experience or hardship; toughen: soldiers who had been tempered by combat.
To adjust finely; attune: a portfolio that is tempered to the investor's needs.
Music To adjust (the pitch of an instrument) to a temperament.

A state of mind or emotions; disposition: an even temper. See synonyms at mood¹
Calmness of mind or emotions; composure: lose one's temper.
1. A tendency to become easily angry or irritable: a quick temper.
2. An outburst of rage: a fit of temper.
A characteristic general quality; tone: heroes who exemplified the medieval temper; the politicized temper of the 1930s.
1. The condition of being tempered.
2. The degree of hardness and elasticity of a metal, chiefly steel, achieved by tempering.
A modifying substance or agent added to something else.
Archaic A middle course between extremes; a mean.