temperate

The definition of temperate is a mild or moderate climate, or a showing of self-restraint.

(adjective)

  1. An island that does not experience wild swings in temperature is an example of an island with a temperate climate.
  2. A person who makes sure he doesn't overeat or over-indulge is an example of someone who would be described as temperate in his habits.

YourDictionary definition and usage example. Copyright © 2013 by LoveToKnow Corp.

See temperate in Webster's New World College Dictionary

adjective

  1. moderate in indulging the appetites; not self-indulgent; abstemious, esp. in the use of alcoholic liquors
  2. moderate in one's actions, speech, etc.; self-restrained
  3. moderate or restrained: a temperate reply
    1. neither very hot nor very cold: said of climate, etc.
    2. having a temperate climate

Origin: ME temperat < L temperatus, pp. of temperare, to temper

Related Forms:

See temperate in American Heritage Dictionary 4

adjective
  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.

Origin:

Origin: Middle English temperat

Origin: , from Latin temperātus

Origin: , from past participle of temperāre, to temper; see temper

.

Related Forms:

  • temˈper·ate·ly adverb
  • temˈper·ate·ness noun

Learn more about temperate

link/cite print suggestion box