n.
Pronunciation: ' tem-p ə r
Function: transitive verb
Inflected Form: tem · pered ; tem · per · ing \ -p( ə -)ri ŋ \
Etymology: Middle English, from Old English & Anglo-French; Old English temprian & Anglo-French temprer, from Latin temperare to moderate, mix, temper; probably akin to Latin tempor-, tempus time
Date: before 12th century
1 : to dilute, qualify, or soften by the addition or influence of something else : MODERATE < temper justice with mercy>
2 archaic a : to exercise control over : GOVERN , RESTRAIN b : to cause to be well disposed : MOLLIFY < temper ed and reconciled them both ― Richard Steele>
3 : to bring to a suitable state by mixing in or adding a usually liquid ingredient: as a : to mix (clay) with water or a modifier (as grog) and knead to a uniform texture b : to mix oil with (colors) in making paint ready for use
4 a (1) : to soften (as hardened steel or cast iron) by reheating at a lower temperature (2) : to harden (as steel) by reheating and cooling in oil b : to anneal or toughen (glass) by a process of gradually heating and cooling
5 : to make stronger and more resilient through hardship : TOUGHEN <troops temper ed in battle>
6 a : to put in tune with something : ATTUNE b : to adjust the pitch of (a note, chord, or instrument) to a temperament
– tem · per · able \ -p( ə -)r ə -b ə l \ adjective
– tem · per · er \ -p ə r- ə r \ noun