Tēm'per-a-tūre, n.
(53), n. [Fr. température, Pr. temperadura, Sp., It., & Lat. temperatura.] 1. Constitution; state; degree of any quality. The best composition and temperature is, to have openness in fame and opinion, secrecy in habit, dissimulation in seasonable use, and a power to feign, if there be no remedy. Bacon. Memory depends upon the consistence and temperature of the brain. Watts. 2. Freedom from immoderate passions; moderation. [Obs.] In that proud port, which her so goodly graceth, Most goodly temperature you may descry. Spencer.
- (Physics.) Condition with respect to heat or cold, especially as indicated by the sensation produced, or by the thermometer or pyrometer; degree of heat or cold; as, the temperature of the air; high temperature; low temperature; temperature of freezing or of boiling.
- Mixture, or that which is made by mixture; compound. [Obs.] “Made a temperature of brass and iron together.” Holland.