temperate

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

(adjective)

An island that does not experience wild swings in temperature is an example of an island with a temperate climate.
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.

See temperate in Webster's New World College Dictionary

adjective

moderate in indulging the appetites; not self-indulgent; abstemious, esp. in the use of alcoholic liquors
moderate in one's actions, speech, etc.; self-restrained
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

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See temperate in American Heritage Dictionary 4

adjective

Exercising moderation and self-restraint: learned to be temperate in eating and drinking.
Moderate in degree or quality; restrained: temperate criticism.
Characterized by moderate temperatures, weather, or climate; neither hot nor cold.
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: