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temper

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Temper is a state of mind, particularly one that is hostile or angry.

(noun)

An example of temper is what someone loses when they gets excessively mad at even the simplest of problems.

Temper is defined as to moderate or soften something or make it less intense.

(verb)

An example of temper is to add white paint to a dark purple paint to make it a lighter color.

See temper in Webster's New World College Dictionary

transitive verb

to make suitable, desirable, or free from excess by mingling with something else; reduce in intensity, esp. by the admixture of some other quality; moderate; assuage; mollify: to temper criticism with reason
1. to bring to the proper texture, consistency, hardness, etc. by mixing with something or treating in some way: to temper paints with oil, to temper steel by heating and sudden cooling, to temper clay by moistening and kneading
2. to toughen, as by rigors or trying experiences
Rare to fit; adapt
Archaic to mix in proper proportions
Music to adjust the pitch of (a note) or tune (an instrument) according to some temperament

Origin: ME tempren < OE temprian & OFr temprer, both < L temperare, to observe proper measure, mix, regulate, forbear < tempus (gen. temporis), time, period, orig., a span < IE *tempos, a span < *temp-, to pull < base *ten-, to stretch > thin

intransitive verb

to be or become tempered

noun

the state of being tempered; specif.,
1. Archaic a properly proportioned mixture
2. the state of a metal with regard to the degree of hardness and resilience
frame of mind; disposition; mood: in a bad temper
calmness of mind; composure: now only in the phrases and
a tendency to become angry readily: to have a temper
anger; rage: to go into a temper
something used to temper a mixture, etc.
the trend in thought and feeling (of an era, period, etc.); character: the temper of the times, the modern temper
Archaic a middle course; mean
Obsolete character; quality

Related Forms:

temperability noun
temperable adjective
temperer noun

See temper in American Heritage Dictionary 4

verb tem·pered, tem·per·ing, tem·pers

verb, transitive

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.
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.
To harden or strengthen (metal or glass) by application of heat or by heating and cooling.
To strengthen through experience or hardship; toughen: soldiers who had been tempered by combat.
To adjust finely; attune: a portfolio that is tempered to the investor's needs.
Music To adjust (the pitch of an instrument) to a temperament.

verb, intransitive

To be or become tempered.

noun

A state of mind or emotions; disposition: an even temper. See Synonyms at mood¹.
Calmness of mind or emotions; composure: lose one's temper.
a. A tendency to become easily angry or irritable: a quick temper.
b. An outburst of rage: a fit of temper.
A characteristic general quality; tone: heroes who exemplified the medieval temper; the politicized temper of the 1930s.
a. The condition of being tempered.
b. The degree of hardness and elasticity of a metal, chiefly steel, achieved by tempering.
A modifying substance or agent added to something else.
Archaic A middle course between extremes; a mean.