First Known Use: 1533
Dictionary
temperature
noun tem·per·a·ture \ˈtem-pə(r)-ˌchu̇r, -p(ə-)rə-, -chər, -ˌtyu̇r, -ˌtu̇r\
: a measurement that indicates how hot or cold something is : a measurement in degrees showing the heat of something (such as air or water)
: a measurement of the heat in a person's body
: a level of heat that is above what is normal for the human body
Full Definition of TEMPERATURE
1
2
a : degree of hotness or coldness measured on a definite scale b : the degree of heat that is natural to the body of a living being c : abnormally high body heat <running a temperature>
3
a : relative state of emotional warmth <scandals raised the political temperature> b : mood <testing the temperature of voters>
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Origin of TEMPERATURE
Latin temperatura mixture, moderation, from temperatus, past participle of temperare
Other Physics Terms
Rhymes with TEMPERATURE
amateur, aperture, armature, blackamoor, carrefour, carte du jour, coinsure, commissure, confiture, connoisseur, coverture, curvature, cynosure, embouchure, epicure, filature, forfeiture, garniture, geniture, green-manure, haute couture, immature, insecure, ligature, manicure, overture, paramour, pedicure, plat du jour, portraiture, prelature, premature, quadrature, reassure, Reaumur, reinsure, saboteur, sepulture, sequitur, signature, simon-pure, sinecure, soup du jour, tablature, to be sure, troubadour, white amur, Yom Kippur
TEMPERATURE Defined for Kids
temperature
noun tem·per·a·ture \ˈtem-pə-rə-ˌchu̇r, -prə-ˌchu̇r, -pə-ˌchu̇r, -chər\
Definition of TEMPERATURE for Kids
1
: degree of hotness or coldness as measured on a scale
2
: abnormally high body heat : fever
Word Root of TEMPERATURE
The Latin word temperāre, meaning “to make mild,” “to control,” or “to soften,” gives us the root temper. Words from the Latin temperāre have something to do with mildness or control. To temper is to soften or make something less strong or difficult. Someone temperamental has little control over her or his mood and reactions to people and events. Temperature, or the degree of hotness or coldness, tells whether something is mild, too hot, or too cold.
Medical Dictionary
temperature
noun tem·per·a·ture \ˈtem-pə(r)-ˌchu̇(ə)r, -p(ə-)rə-, -chər, -ˌt(y)u̇(ə)r\
Medical Definition of TEMPERATURE
1
: degree of hotness or coldness measured on a definite scale—see thermometer
2
a : the degree of heat that is natural to a living body <a normal oral temperature of about 98.6°F> b : a condition of abnormally high body heat <was running a temperature>
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