Definition of temper

• v. t. - To mingle in due proportion; to prepare by combining; to modify, as by adding some new element; to qualify, as by an ingredient; hence, to soften; to mollify; to assuage; to soothe; to calm.
• v. t. - To fit together; to adjust; to accomodate.
• v. t. - To bring to a proper degree of hardness; as, to temper iron or steel.
• v. t. - To govern; to manage.
• v. t. - To moisten to a proper consistency and stir thoroughly, as clay for making brick, loam for molding, etc.
• v. t. - To adjust, as the mathematical scale to the actual scale, or to that in actual use.
• n. - The state of any compound substance which results from the mixture of various ingredients; due mixture of different qualities; just combination; as, the temper of mortar.
• n. - Constitution of body; temperament; in old writers, the mixture or relative proportion of the four humors, blood, choler, phlegm, and melancholy.
• n. - Disposition of mind; the constitution of the mind, particularly with regard to the passions and affections; as, a calm temper; a hasty temper; a fretful temper.
• n. - Calmness of mind; moderation; equanimity; composure; as, to keep one's temper.
• n. - Heat of mind or passion; irritation; proneness to anger; -- in a reproachful sense.
• n. - The state of a metal or other substance, especially as to its hardness, produced by some process of heating or cooling; as, the temper of iron or steel.
• n. - Middle state or course; mean; medium.
• n. - Milk of lime, or other substance, employed in the process formerly used to clarify sugar.
• v. i. - To accord; to agree; to act and think in conformity.
• v. i. - To have or get a proper or desired state or quality; to grow soft and pliable.