attemper

[ uh-tem-per ]

/ əˈtɛm pər /

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verb (used with object) Archaic.

to modify or moderate by mixing or blending with something different or opposite.

to regulate or modify the temperature of.

to soothe; mollify; mitigate.

to accommodate; adapt (usually followed by to).

QUIZ

THINGAMABOB OR THINGUMMY: CAN YOU DISTINGUISH BETWEEN THE US AND UK TERMS IN THIS QUIZ?

Do you know the difference between everyday US and UK terminology? Test yourself with this quiz on words that differ across the Atlantic.

Question 1 of 7

In the UK, COTTON CANDY is more commonly known as…

candystring

candyfloss

candypuff

TAKE THE QUIZ TO FIND OUT

Origin of attemper

1325–75; Middle English attemperen<Latin attemperāre to adjust (see at-, temper); replacing Middle English attempren<Middle French attemprer<Latin, as above

OTHER WORDS FROM attemper

un·at·tem·pered, adjective

Words nearby attemper

Attalus III, attapulgite, attar, Attawapiskat, attelet, attemper, attempt, Attenborough, attend, attendance, attendance allowance

Dictionary.com Unabridged Based on the Random House Unabridged Dictionary, © Random House, Inc. 2023

How to use attemper in a sentence

Her eye proclaims her of the Briton-line; Her lion-port, her awe-commanding face, Attemper'd sweet to virgin-grace.
The Ontario Readers: The High School Reader, 1886|Ministry of Education
Of his answer we require you to advertise us with all diligence, for according thereunto we intend to attemper our proceedings.
History of England from the Fall of Wolsey to the Death of Elizabeth. Vol. II.|James Anthony Froude
It was evident that neither fire nor clothing would, in an habitation like that, attemper the chilling blasts.
Ormond, Volume I (of 3)|Charles Brockden Brown
Lifted sashes and lofty ceilings were insufficient to attemper it.
Arthur Mervyn|Charles Brockden Brown

British Dictionary definitions for attemper

attemper

/ (əˈtɛmpə) /

verb (tr) archaic

to modify by blending; temper

to moderate or soothe

to accommodate or bring into harmony

Derived forms of attemper

attemperment, noun

Collins English Dictionary - Complete & Unabridged 2012 Digital Edition © William Collins Sons & Co. Ltd. 1979, 1986 © HarperCollins Publishers 1998, 2000, 2003, 2005, 2006, 2007, 2009, 2012