room temperature

American  

[room tem-per-uh-cher, -choor, -pruh-, -per-cher, room] / ˈrum ˈtɛm pər ə tʃər, -ˌtʃʊər, -prə-, -pər tʃər, ˈrʊm /

noun

1. a temperature at which food, drink, medicine, etc., is neither cooled nor heated.

   Unopened, our sauces can be stored at room temperature for months, but opened jars must be refrigerated.

   The cheeses are best served at room temperature.

2. any indoor temperature that falls within a range considered comfortable for human occupancy.

   We tested the strength of the bond at room temperature and at 140°F.

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room temperature British  

noun

1. the normal temperature of a living room, usually taken as being around 20°C

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Etymology

Origin of room temperature

First recorded in 1845–50

Example Sentences

"Room temperature is the ideal environment for serving tomatoes. Refrigeration can also prevent under-ripe tomatoes from fully ripening, so always hold under-ripe tomatoes at room temperature."

From Salon • Oct. 1, 2022

Room temperature whites may be the leftovers on the counter we drink for breakfast the next morning, another barbarian habit we apparently indulge.

From Washington Post • Jan. 21, 2022

"Room temperature," it reads, "should be maintained between 55 and 60F."

From BBC • Apr. 5, 2020

Room temperature water, as you might know from experience, doesn’t help that much.

From Slate • Mar. 26, 2019

Room temperature should not be above 70° F. and, except for the aged or sick, it is better to be between 60° and 65°.

From American Red Cross Text-Book on Home Hygiene and Care of the Sick by Cross, American Red