meaning of temper
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.
2. To fit together; to adjust; to accomodate.
3. 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. To adjust, as the mathematical scale to the actual scale, or to that in actual use.
7. 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.
8. Constitution of body; temperament; in old writers, the mixture or relative proportion of the four humors, blood, choler, phlegm, and melancholy.
9. 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.
10. Calmness of mind; moderation; equanimity; composure; as, to keep ones temper.
11. Heat of mind or passion; irritation; proneness to anger; -- in a reproachful sense.
12. 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.
13. Middle state or course; mean; medium.
14. Milk of lime, or other substance, employed in the process formerly used to clarify sugar.
15. To accord; to agree; to act and think in conformity.
16. To have or get a proper or desired state or quality; to grow soft and pliable.
17. a disposition to exhibit uncontrolled anger; "his temper was well known to all his
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Related Words
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