Definition of Temper

Tem´per
v. t.1.To mingle in due proportion; to prepare by combining; to modify, as by adding some new element; to qualify, as by an ingredient; hence, to soften; to mollify; to assuage; to soothe; to calm.
[imp. & p. p. Tempered ; p. pr. & vb. n. Tempering.]
2.To fit together; to adjust; to accomodate.
3.(Metal.) To bring to a proper degree of hardness; as, to temper iron or steel.
4.To govern; to manage.
5.To moisten to a proper consistency and stir thoroughly, as clay for making brick, loam for molding, etc.
6.(Mus.) To adjust, as the mathematical scale to the actual scale, or to that in actual use.
n.1.The state of any compound substance which results from the mixture of various ingredients; due mixture of different qualities; just combination; as, the temper of mortar.
2.Constitution of body; temperament; in old writers, the mixture or relative proportion of the four humors, blood, choler, phlegm, and melancholy.
3.Disposition of mind; the constitution of the mind, particularly with regard to the passions and affections; as, a calm temper; a hasty temper; a fretful temper.
The consequents of a certain ethical temper.
- J. H. Newman.
4.Calmness of mind; moderation; equanimity; composure; as, to keep one's temper.
To fall with dignity, with temper rise.
- Pope.
5.Heat of mind or passion; irritation; proneness to anger; - in a reproachful sense.
6.The state of a metal or other substance, especially as to its hardness, produced by some process of heating or cooling; as, the temper of iron or steel.
7.Middle state or course; mean; medium.
8.(Sugar Works) Milk of lime, or other substance, employed in the process formerly used to clarify sugar.
Temper screw
in deep well boring, an adjusting screw connecting the working beam with the rope carrying the tools, for lowering the tools as the drilling progresses.
v. i.1.To accord; to agree; to act and think in conformity.
2.To have or get a proper or desired state or quality; to grow soft and pliable.


Related Words

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