tempered

[ tem-perd ]
/ ˈtɛm pərd /

adjective

having a temper or disposition of a specified character (usually used in combination): a good-tempered child.
Music. tuned in accordance with some other temperament than just or pure temperament, especially tuned in equal temperament.
made less intense or violent, especially by the influence of something good or benign: justice tempered with mercy.
properly moistened or mixed, as clay.
Metallurgy. of or relating to steel or cast iron that has been tempered.

Origin of tempered

Middle English word dating back to 1325–75; see origin at temper, -ed2, -ed3

OTHER WORDS FROM tempered

non·tem·pered, adjective un·tem·pered, adjective

Definition for tempered (2 of 2)

temper
[ tem-per ]
/ ˈtɛm pər /

noun

verb (used with object)

verb (used without object)

to be or become tempered.

Origin of temper

before 1000; (v.) Middle English tempren, Old English temprian < Latin temperāre to divide or proportion duly, temper; (noun) Middle English: proportion, derivative of the v.

synonym study for temper

1. See disposition. 10. See modify.

OTHER WORDS FROM temper

Example sentences from the Web for tempered

British Dictionary definitions for tempered (1 of 2)

tempered
/ (ˈtɛmpəd) /

adjective

music
  1. (of a scale) having the frequency differences between notes adjusted in accordance with the system of equal temperamentSee temperament
  2. (of an interval) expanded or contracted from the state of being pure
(in combination) having a temper or temperament as specified ill-tempered

British Dictionary definitions for tempered (2 of 2)

temper
/ (ˈtɛmpə) /

noun

verb (tr)

Derived forms of temper

temperable, adjective temperability, noun temperer, noun

Word Origin for temper

Old English temprian to mingle, (influenced by Old French temprer), from Latin temperāre to mix, probably from tempus time

Medical definitions for tempered

temper
[ tĕmpər ]

n.

A state of mind or emotions; mood.
A tendency to become easily angry or irritable.
An outburst of rage.

Idioms and Phrases with tempered

temper

see hold one's temper; lose one's temper.