tem·per (t m p r)v. tem·pered, tem·per·ing, tem·pers v.tr. 1. To modify by the addition of a moderating element; moderate: "temper its doctrinaire logic with a little practical wisdom" (Robert H. Jackson). See Synonyms at moderate. 2. To bring to a desired consistency, texture, hardness, or other physical condition by or as if by blending, admixing, or kneading: temper clay; paints that had been tempered with oil. 3. To harden or strengthen (metal or glass) by application of heat or by heating and cooling. 4. To strengthen through experience or hardship; toughen: soldiers who had been tempered by combat. 5. To adjust finely; attune: a portfolio that is tempered to the investor's needs. 6. Music To adjust (the pitch of an instrument) to a temperament. v.intr. To be or become tempered. n. 1. A state of mind or emotions; disposition: an even temper. See Synonyms at mood1. 2. Calmness of mind or emotions; composure: lose one's temper. 3. a. A tendency to become easily angry or irritable: a quick temper. b. An outburst of rage: a fit of temper. 4. A characteristic general quality; tone: heroes who exemplified the medieval temper; the politicized temper of the 1930s. 5. a. The condition of being tempered. b. The degree of hardness and elasticity of a metal, chiefly steel, achieved by tempering. 6. A modifying substance or agent added to something else. 7. Archaic A middle course between extremes; a mean. [Middle English temperen, from Old English temprian, from Latin temper  re, probably from variant of tempus, tempor-, time, season.]tem  per·a·bili·ty n.tem per·a·ble adj.tem per·er n. |
ThesaurusLegend: Synonyms Related Words Antonyms
| Noun | 1. |  tempering - hardening something by heat treatmenthardening - the act of making something harder (firmer or tighter or more compact) |
| Adj. | 1. | tempering - moderating by making more temperate moderating - lessening in intensity or strength |
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