temperer


tem·per

T0097500 (tĕm′pər)v. tem·pered, tem·per·ing, tem·pers v.tr.1. 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.2. To bring to a desired consistency, texture, hardness, or other physical condition by blending, admixing, or kneading: temper clay; paints that had been tempered with oil.3. To harden or strengthen (metal or glass) by application of heat or by heating and cooling.4. To strengthen through experience or hardship; toughen: soldiers who had been tempered by combat.5. Music To adjust (the pitch of an instrument) to a temperament.v.intr. To be or become tempered.n.1. A state of mind or emotion; disposition: an even temper.2. Calmness of mind or emotions; composure: lose one's temper.3. a. A tendency to become easily angry or irritable: a quick temper.b. Anger; rage: a fit of temper.4. A characteristic general quality; tone: heroes who exemplified the medieval temper; the politicized temper of the 1930s.5. a. The condition of being tempered.b. The degree of hardness and elasticity of a metal, chiefly steel, achieved by tempering.6. A modifying substance or agent added to something else.7. Archaic A middle course between extremes; a mean.
[Middle English temperen, from Old English temprian, from Latin temperāre, probably from variant of tempus, tempor-, time, season.]
tem′per·a·bil′i·ty n.tem′per·a·ble adj.tem′per·er n.