temperature

noun

tem·​per·​a·​ture ˈtem-pər-ˌchu̇r How to pronounce temperature (audio)
ˈtem-pə-,
-p(ə-)rə-,
-chər,
-ˌtyu̇r,
-ˌtu̇r How to pronounce temperature (audio)
1
a
: degree of hotness or coldness measured on a definite scale
b
: the degree of heat that is natural to the body of a living being
c
: abnormally high body heat
running a temperature
2
a
: relative state of emotional warmth
scandals raised the political temperature
b
: mood
testing the temperature of voters
3

Examples of temperature in a Sentence

Water boils at a temperature of 212°F. The samples are kept at a constant temperature. The weatherman predicted unusually low temperatures for the area. the normal body temperature of 98.6°F
Recent Examples on the Web In 2021, the code of conduct was revised to include protections from the rising temperatures — a problem that climate change is only making worse. Ashley Miznazi, Miami Herald, 8 Mar. 2024 Additional storms may rumble to life and push into the Carolinas as rising temperatures provide an extra boost of energy Saturday afternoon. Mary Gilbert, CNN, 8 Mar. 2024 While increasing carbon levels in the atmosphere and longer growing seasons can be a benefit to production, rising temperatures can add stressors to the plants that will eventually offset these boons. Karl Schneider, The Indianapolis Star, 8 Mar. 2024 Inside the crisis transforming the Southwest Jan. 26, 2023 Scientists have found that roughly half of the decline in the river’s flow this century has been caused by rising temperatures, and that for each additional 1.8 degrees of warming, the river’s average flow is likely to decrease by about 9%. Ian James, Los Angeles Times, 8 Mar. 2024 The roofing was replaced with an insulating foam that helps keep the interior cool during hotter temperatures; insulation was added; and a custom stain was mixed so that the new replacement pieces match the Philippine mahogany paneling that is throughout the house. Mark David, Robb Report, 8 Mar. 2024 Northwestern Mutual Community Park will close if weather includes rain, snow, ice and below freezing temperatures. Alex Groth, Journal Sentinel, 8 Mar. 2024 Chicken sandwiches and chicken wings were being held at improper holding temperatures, according to Wednesday’s inspection report. Jacqueline Pinedo, Sacramento Bee, 8 Mar. 2024 To cite one example, tropical sea surface temperatures and conditions were very similar in 2021-22 and 2022-23, but the first winter was dry and the second was one of our wettest. Joe Mathews, Orange County Register, 25 Feb. 2024

These examples are programmatically compiled from various online sources to illustrate current usage of the word 'temperature.' Any opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback about these examples.

Word History

Etymology

borrowed from Latin temperātūra "mixture of substances in proper proportion, adjustment between extremes, mean," from temperātus, past participle of temperāre "to moderate, bring to a proper strength or consistency by mixing, maintain in a state of balance" + -ūra -ure — more at temper entry 2

First Known Use

1533, in the meaning defined at sense 3

Time Traveler
The first known use of temperature was in 1533

Dictionary Entries Near temperature

Cite this Entry

“Temperature.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/temperature. Accessed 18 Mar. 2024.

Kids Definition

temperature

noun
tem·​per·​a·​ture ˈtem-pə(r)-ˌchu̇r How to pronounce temperature (audio) ˈtem-p(ə-)rə-ˌchu̇r How to pronounce temperature (audio)
-chər
1
: the degree of hotness or coldness of something (as air, water, or the body) as shown by a thermometer
2
: fever sense 1a
have a temperature

Medical Definition

temperature

noun
tem·​per·​a·​ture ˈtem-pə(r)-ˌchu̇(ə)r How to pronounce temperature (audio) -p(ə-)rə- How to pronounce temperature (audio)
-chər,
-ˌt(y)u̇(ə)r
1
: degree of hotness or coldness measured on a definite scale see thermometer
2
a
: the degree of heat that is natural to a living body
a normal oral temperature of about 98.6°F
b
: a condition of abnormally high body heat
was running a temperature

More from Merriam-Webster on temperature

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