tem·per·ate (t m p r- t, t m pr t)adj.1. Exercising moderation and self-restraint: learned to be temperate in eating and drinking. 2. Moderate in degree or quality; restrained: temperate criticism. 3. Characterized by moderate temperatures, weather, or climate; neither hot nor cold. 4. Biology Of or relating to a virus that infects bacterial cells but rarely causes lysis: temperate bacteriophages.
[Middle English temperat, from Latin temper tus, from past participle of temper re, to temper; see temper.]
tem per·ate·ly adv. tem per·ate·ness n. |
ThesaurusLegend: Synonyms Related Words Antonyms | Noun | 1. | temperateness - moderate weather; suitable for outdoor activitiesatmospheric condition, weather, weather condition, conditions - the atmospheric conditions that comprise the state of the atmosphere in terms of temperature and wind and clouds and precipitation; "they were hoping for good weather"; "every day we have weather conditions and yesterday was no exception"; "the conditions were too rainy for playing in the snow" | | 2. | temperateness - exhibiting restraint imposed on the self; "an effective temperateness in debate"restraint, control - discipline in personal and social activities; "he was a model of polite restraint"; "she never lost control of herself" stiff upper lip - self-restraint in the expression of emotion (especially fear or grief); "the British like to keep a stiff upper lip" |
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