n.
Function: noun
Date: 14th century
1 a archaic : a suitable proportion or balance of qualities : a middle state between extremes : MEAN , MEDIUM <virtue is ⋯ a just temper between propensities ― T. B. Macaulay> b archaic : CHARACTER , QUALITY <the temper of the land you design to sow ― John Mortimer> c : characteristic tone : TREND <the temper of the times> d : high quality of mind or spirit : COURAGE
2 a : the state of a substance with respect to certain desired qualities (as hardness, elasticity, or workability) especially : the degree of hardness or resiliency given steel by tempering b : the feel and relative solidity of leather
3 a : a characteristic cast of mind or state of feeling : DISPOSITION b : calmness of mind : COMPOSURE c : state of feeling or frame of mind at a particular time usually dominated by a single strong emotion d : heat of mind or emotion : proneness to anger : PASSION <she has a real temper >
4 : a substance (as a metal) added to or mixed with something else (as another metal) to modify the properties of the latter
synonyms see DISPOSITION