Temperature Meaning: Definition, Examples, and Translations
🌡️
temperature
[ˈtɛmp(ə)rətʃər ]
Definitions
weather
The degree or intensity of heat present in a substance or object.
Synonyms
degree of hotness, heat level.
Which Synonym Should You Choose?
| Word | Description / Examples |
|---|---|
| temperature |
Again, this word remains consistent in its usage; it is the standard term for measuring how hot or cold something is.
|
| heat level |
Often used in cooking or when adjusting settings on an appliance to refer to how hot something is.
|
| degree of hotness |
Typically used in a more descriptive or informal context to refer to how hot something feels.
|
Examples of usage
- The temperature outside is 25 degrees Celsius.
- Please set the air conditioner to a comfortable temperature.
- I prefer to drink cold beverages in hot temperatures.
- The temperature dropped significantly overnight.
- High temperatures can cause heat exhaustion.
health
A measure of the warmth or coldness of an environment or body.
Synonyms
body heat, fever.
Which Synonym Should You Choose?
| Word | Description / Examples |
|---|---|
| temperature |
When referring to a person's body heat, especially in a medical context to detect fever.
|
| fever |
A medical condition characterized by an elevated body temperature, typically as a response to an infection or illness. It often has a negative connotation.
|
| body heat |
Refers to the heat generated and maintained by a living organism, particularly warm-blooded animals and humans.
|
Examples of usage
- He has a high temperature, so he might have a fever.
- Normal body temperature is around 98.6 degrees Fahrenheit.
- The doctor will check your temperature before prescribing any medication.
- If you have a low body temperature, you might feel cold all the time.
- Extreme temperatures can lead to hypothermia.
change
To adjust the heat level of something, typically using a thermostat.
Synonyms
adjust heat, set temperature.
Which Synonym Should You Choose?
| Word | Description / Examples |
|---|---|
| temperature |
Refer to the degree of heat in a specific setting, often used in everyday conversation about weather, room conditions, or body heat.
|
| adjust heat |
Use this phrase when talking about making changes to the heating level, especially in a manual or physical sense, such as turning a knob or lever.
|
| set temperature |
This phrase is most appropriate when referring to specifying or programming a particular temperature on a device or system, such as a thermostat, oven, or air conditioner.
|
Examples of usage
- I need to temperature the oven to 350 degrees.
- Don't forget to temperature the water before adding the pasta.
- The thermostat allows you to temperature the room as needed.
- She carefully tempers the chocolate to achieve the perfect consistency.
- We should temperature the wine before serving it.
Translations
To see the translation, please select a language from the options available.
Interesting Facts
Science
- Temperature affects the state of matter; for instance, heating water can turn it from ice to liquid to steam.
- Thermal expansion means that most substances expand when heated and contract when cooled, which is important in engineering.
Everyday Life
- Weather forecasts give temperature readings to help people dress appropriately for the day.
- Cooking often requires specific temperatures to ensure food is safe and cooked properly.
Health
- Body temperature is a crucial indicator of health; a normal temperature is typically around 98.6°F (37°C).
- Fever, indicated by a higher-than-average temperature, often signals the body fighting an infection.
Cultural Significance
- In some cultures, temperature can influence how food is eaten; for example, hot soups and cold desserts may be preferred differently.
- Various festivals around the world celebrate different temperatures, from hot desert days to cold snowy nights, highlighting seasonal changes.
Origin of 'temperature'
Main points about word origin
- The word comes from the Latin 'temperatura,' which means to mix or blend, referring to the mixing of heat in bodies.
- In Middle English, it was related to the concept of balancing qualities, like hot and cold.
The word 'temperature' originated from the Latin word 'temperatura', which means a mixture or combination. It was first used in the 16th century to describe the degree of hotness or coldness of a body or environment. Over the years, the concept of temperature has become an essential part of various fields, including meteorology, physics, and medicine. Understanding and measuring temperature have led to significant advancements in technology and everyday comfort.
See also: intemperance, intemperate, temperament, temperance, temperate, tempering.