temper

tem•per

[[t]ˈtɛm pər[/t]] n.

1) a particular state of mind or feelings

2) habit of mind, esp. with respect to irritability or patience; disposition:

an even temper[/ex]

3) heat of mind or passion, shown in outbursts of anger, resentment, etc

4) calm disposition; composure:

to lose one's temper[/ex]

5) a substance added to modify other properties

6) mel

a) the degree of hardness and strength imparted to a metal, as by quenching or treatment with heat

b) the operation of tempering metal

7) archaic a middle course; compromise

8) Obs. the character of a substance

9) to moderate:

to temper justice with mercy[/ex]

10) to soften or tone down

11) to make suitable by or as if by blending

12) to work into proper consistency, as clay or mortar

13) mel to impart strength or toughness to (steel or cast iron) by heating and cooling

14) mad to tune (a keyboard instrument) so as to make the tones available in different keys or tonalities

15) archaic to blend in due proportions

16) archaic to pacify

17) to be or become tempered

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Etymology: bef. 1000; ME tempren, OE temprian < L temperāre to restrain oneself, adjust, temper tem′per•a•ble, adj. tem′per•er, n.