distemper

I

dis•tem•per

[[t]dɪsˈtɛm pər[/t]] n.

1) vet

a) Also called canine distemper

an infectious disease chiefly of young dogs, caused by an unidentified virus and characterized by lethargy, fever, catarrh, photophobia, and vomiting.

b) Also called strangles

an infectious disease of horses, caused by the bacillus Streptococcus equi and characterized by catarrh of the upper air passages and the formation of pus in the submaxillary and other lymphatic glands.

c) Also called feline distemper

a usu. fatal viral disease of cats, characterized by fever, vomiting, and diarrhea, leading to severe dehydration.

2) pat psi a deranged condition of mind or body; a disorder or disease:

a feverish distemper[/ex]

3) disorder or disturbance, esp. of a political nature

4) Obs. to derange physically or mentally

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Etymology: 1300–50; ME (< MF destemprer) < ML distemperāre= L dis- I+temperāre to temper II

dis•tem•per

[[t]dɪsˈtɛm pər[/t]] n.

1) fia a technique of decorative painting in which glue or gum is used as a binder or medium to achieve a mat surface and rapid drying

2) fia a painting executed by this method

3) fia to paint in distemper

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Etymology: 1350–1400; ME (< AF distemprer) < ML distemperāre to dissolve, dilute