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temperate

 - 5 dictionary results

tem⋅per⋅ate

  [tem-per-it, tem-prit]
Use temperate in a Sentence
–adjective
1. moderate or self-restrained; not extreme in opinion, statement, etc.: a temperate response to an insulting challenge.
2. moderate as regards indulgence of appetite or passion, esp. in the use of alcoholic liquors.
3. not excessive in degree, as things, qualities, etc.
4. moderate in respect to temperature; not subject to prolonged extremes of hot or cold weather.
5. Microbiology. (of a virus) existing in infected host cells but rarely causing lysis.
Origin:
1350–1400; ME temperat < L temperātus, ptp. of temperāre to exercise restraint, control. See temper, -ate 1

Related forms:
tem⋅per⋅ate⋅ly, adverb
tem⋅per⋅ate⋅ness, noun

Synonyms:
1. sober, dispassionate. See moderate.
Dictionary.com Unabridged
Based on the Random House Dictionary, © Random House, Inc. 2009.
Cite This Source Link To temperate
tem·per·ate   (těm'pər-ĭt, těm'prĭt)   
adj.  

  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.


[Middle English temperat, from Latin temperātus, from past participle of temperāre, to temper; see temper.]
tem'per·ate·ly adv., tem'per·ate·ness n.
The American Heritage® Dictionary of the English Language, Fourth Edition
Copyright © 2009 by Houghton Mifflin Company.
Published by Houghton Mifflin Company. All rights reserved.
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Word Origin & History

temperate 
c.1380, of persons, "modest, forbearing, self-restrained," from L. temperatus "restrained, regulated," from pp. of temperare "to moderate, regulate" (see temper). Applied to climates 1432; temperate zone is attested from 1551.
Online Etymology Dictionary, © 2001 Douglas Harper
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Medical Dictionary

Main Entry: tem·per·ate
Pronunciation: 'tem-p(&-)r&t
Function: adjective
1 : marked by moderation; especially : moderate in the use of intoxicating liquors
2 : existing as a prophage in infected cells and rarely causing lysis <temperate bacteriophages> —tem·per·ate·ly adverb
Merriam-Webster's Medical Dictionary, © 2002 Merriam-Webster, Inc.
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Medical Dictionary

temperate tem·per·ate (těm'pər-ĭt, těm'prĭt)
adj.
Exercising moderation and self-restraint.

The American Heritage® Stedman's Medical Dictionary
Copyright © 2002, 2001, 1995 by Houghton Mifflin Company. Published by Houghton Mifflin Company.
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