temperature.html - {v. phr.} To become very angry. * /By the time we mention the name of her ex-husband, she flies into a rage./

temperature.html - See: GOD TEMPERS THE WIND TO THE SHORN LAMB, HOLD ONE'S TEMPER or KEEP ONE'S TEMPER, LOSE ONE'S TEMPER.

temperature.html - See: RUN A TEMPERATURE.

temperature.html - n. & v.
--n.

1 habitual or temporary disposition of mind esp. as regards composure (a person of a placid temper).
2 irritation or anger (in a fit of temper).
3 a tendency to have fits of anger (have a temper).
4 composure or calmness (keep one's temper; lose one's temper).
5 the condition of metal as regards hardness and elasticity.

--v.

tr.
1 bring (metal or clay) to a proper hardness or consistency.
2 (foll. by with) moderate or mitigate (temper justice with mercy).
3 tune or modulate (a piano etc.) so as to distance intervals correctly.

in a bad temper angry, peevish. in a good temper in an amiable mood. out of temper angry, peevish. show temper be petulant.

temperable adj. temperative adj. tempered adj. temperedly adv. temperer n. [OE temprian (v.) f. L temperare mingle: infl. by OF temprer, tremper]

temperature.html - n.
a method of painting using an emulsion e.g. of pigment with egg, esp. in fine art on canvas. [It.: cf. DISTEMPER(1)]

temperature.html - n.
1 a person's distinct nature and character, esp. as determined by physical constitution and permanently affecting behaviour (a nervous temperament; the artistic temperament).
2 a creative or spirited personality (was full of temperament).
3 a an adjustment of intervals in tuning a piano etc. so as to fit the scale for use in all keys. b (equal temperament) an adjustment in which the 12 semitones are at equal intervals. [ME f. L temperamentum (as TEMPER)]