[tem.per.a.ment] n [ME, fr. L temperamentum, fr. temperare to mix, temper] (15c) 1 obs a: constitution of a substance, body, or organism with respect to the mixture or balance of its elements, qualities, or parts: makeup b: complexion 1
2. obs a: climate b: temperature
2. 3 a: the peculiar or distinguishing mental or physical character determined by the relative proportions of the humors according to medieval physiology b: characteristic or habitual inclination or mode of emotional response "a nervous ~" c: extremely high sensibility; esp: excessive sensitiveness or irritability
4. a: the act or process of tempering or modifying: adjustment, compromise b: middle course: mean
5: the process of slightly modifying the musical intervals of the pure scale to produce a set of 12 equally spaced tones to the octave which enables a keyboard instrument to play in all keys syn see disposition