temper

temper
{{11}}temper (n.) late 14c., "due proportion of elements or qualities," from TEMPER (Cf. temper) (v.). The sense of "characteristic state of mind" is first recorded 1590s; that of "calm state of mind" in c.1600; and that of "angry state of mind" (for bad temper) in 1828. Meaning "degree of hardness and resiliency in steel" is from late 15c.
{{12}}temper (v.) late O.E. temprian "to bring to a proper or suitable state, to modify some excessive quality, to restrain within due limits," from L. temperare "to mix correctly, moderate, regulate, blend," usually described as from tempus "time, season" (of unknown origin), with a sense of "proper time or season," but the sense history is obscure. Meaning "to make (steel) hard and elastic" is from late 14c. Sense of "to tune the pitch of a musical instrument" is recorded from c.1300.

Etymology dictionary. 2014.

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  • Temper — Tem per, n. 1. 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. [1913 Webster] 2. Constitution of body; temperament; in old… …   The Collaborative International Dictionary of English

  • temper — [tem′pər] vt. [ME tempren < OE temprian & OFr temprer, both < L temperare, to observe proper measure, mix, regulate, forbear < tempus (gen. temporis), time, period, orig., a span < IE * tempos, a span < * temp , to pull < base * …   English World dictionary

  • Temper — Tem per, v. t. [imp. & p. p. {Tempered}; p. pr. & vb. n. {Tempering}.] [AS. temprian or OF. temper, F. temp[ e]rer, and (in sense 3) temper, L. temperare, akin to tempus time. Cf. {Temporal}, {Distemper}, {Tamper}.] 1. To mingle in due… …   The Collaborative International Dictionary of English

  • temper — [n1] state of mind atmosphere, attitude, attribute, aura, character, climate, complexion, condition, constitution, disposition, drift, frame of mind, humor, individualism, individuality, leaning, makeup, mind, mood, nature, orientation, outlook,… …   New thesaurus

  • temper — ► NOUN 1) a person s state of mind in terms of their being angry or calm. 2) a tendency to become angry easily. 3) an angry state of mind. 4) the degree of hardness and elasticity in steel or other metal. ► VERB 1) improve the temper of (a metal) …   English terms dictionary

  • temper — vb *moderate, qualify Analogous words: *adjust, regulate, fix: mitigate, alleviate, lighten, assuage, allay, *relieve: mollify, *pacify, appease Antonyms: intensify temper n 1 * …   New Dictionary of Synonyms

  • Temper — Tem per, v. i. 1. To accord; to agree; to act and think in conformity. [Obs.] Shak. [1913 Webster] 2. To have or get a proper or desired state or quality; to grow soft and pliable. [1913 Webster] I have him already tempering between my finger and …   The Collaborative International Dictionary of English

  • Temper — Temper. См. Отпуск. (Источник: «Металлы и сплавы. Справочник.» Под редакцией Ю.П. Солнцева; НПО Профессионал , НПО Мир и семья ; Санкт Петербург, 2003 г.) …   Словарь металлургических терминов

  • temper — index abate (lessen), adapt, adjust (regulate), allay, alleviate, alter, animus …   Law dictionary

  • temper — I UK [ˈtempə(r)] / US [ˈtempər] noun Word forms temper : singular temper plural tempers ** 1) [countable/uncountable] a tendency to get angry very quickly That temper of yours is going to get you into trouble. She should never have married a man… …   English dictionary

  • temper — tem|per1 [ tempər ] noun ** 1. ) count or uncount a tendency to get angry very quickly: That temper of yours is going to get you into trouble. She should never have married a man with such a violent temper. have a short temper (=become angry very …   Usage of the words and phrases in modern English

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