n.
Pronunciation: ' tem-p( ə -)r ə n(t)s, -p ə rn(t)s
Function: noun
Etymology: Middle English, from Anglo-French, from Latin temperantia, from temperant-, temperans, present participle of temperare to moderate, be moderate
Date: 14th century
1 : moderation in action, thought, or feeling : RESTRAINT
2 a : habitual moderation in the indulgence of the appetites or passions b : moderation in or abstinence from the use of alcoholic beverages