Tem·per, n.
 1. The state of any compound substance which results from the mixture of various ingredients; due mixture of different qualities; just combination; as, the temper of mortar.
 2. Constitution of body; temperament; in old writers, the mixture or relative proportion of the four humors, blood, choler, phlegm, and melancholy.
    The exquisiteness of his [Christ's] bodily temper increased the exquisiteness of his torment.   --Fuller.
 3. Disposition of mind; the constitution of the mind, particularly with regard to the passions and affections; as, a calm temper; a hasty temper; a fretful temper.
 Remember with what mild
 And gracious temper he both heared and judged.   --Milton.
    The consequents of a certain ethical temper.   --J. H. Newman.
 4. Calmness of mind; moderation; equanimity; composure; as, to keep one's temper.
    To fall with dignity, with temper rise.   --Pope.
    Restore yourselves to your tempers, fathers.   --B. Jonson.
 5. Heat of mind or passion; irritation; proneness to anger; -- in a reproachful sense. [Colloq.]
 6. The state of a metal or other substance, especially as to its hardness, produced by some process of heating or cooling; as, the temper of iron or steel.
 7. Middle state or course; mean; medium. [R.]
    The perfect lawgiver is a just temper between the mere man of theory, who can see nothing but general principles, and the mere man of business, who can see nothing but particular circumstances.   --Macaulay.
 8. Sugar Works Milk of lime, or other substance, employed in the process formerly used to clarify sugar.
 Temper screw, in deep well boring, an adjusting screw connecting the working beam with the rope carrying the tools, for lowering the tools as the drilling progresses.
 Syn: -- Disposition; temperament; frame; humor; mood. See Disposition.


 Tem·per screw.
 1. A screw link, to which is attached the rope of a rope-drilling apparatus, for feeding and slightly turning the drill jar at each stroke.
 2.  A set screw used for adjusting.

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