how hot or cold something is, measured with a scale such as degrees Celsius or Fahrenheit
The temperature dropped below freezing overnight.
Set the oven to a temperature of 200 degrees Celsius before you put in the bread.
✦ From Latin temperatūra “moderation, mixture, proper proportion,” later “degree of heat,” from temperāre “to mix in proper proportion.”
the level of heat in a person’s or animal’s body, used to see if they have a fever
The nurse took my temperature with an ear thermometer.
If your temperature is above 38 °C, you should rest and drink plenty of water.
✦ Same origin as general sense; use in medicine recorded since the mid-18th century.
the general level of emotion, tension, or excitement in a situation or group
The moderator’s calm voice lowered the temperature of the heated debate.
Managers use surveys to take the temperature of employee morale.
✦ Figurative extension recorded since the early 20th century, comparing social mood to heat.
