temperature
Definitions
The degree of heat or cold of something, measured on a scale.
温度（冷热的程度）。
An abnormally high body heat caused by illness; a fever.
（因生病引起的）发烧，体温升高。
Root Breakdown
Root-derivedtemper (mix, balance) + -ature (act, result). Temperature is literally 'the proportion of heat' — the measured result of how warmth is blended into something. The same root behind 'the right mixture' gives the number on your thermometer.
Root temper still carries 6 more wordsUsage Guide
Two everyday senses to keep apart. (1) Neutral measurement: room temperature, the temperature outside. (2) Illness: 'have a temperature' / 'run a temperature' means to have a fever — note this implies abnormally high, not just 'a body temperature.' 'Take someone's temperature' = measure it. Stress falls on the first syllable: TEM-per-a-ture, often slurred to 'TEM-pri-cher.'
Example Sentences
- 1.
The temperature dropped below freezing overnight.
- 2.
Bake the cake at a temperature of 180 degrees.
- 3.
The nurse took the child's temperature and found a slight fever.
- 4.
He's been running a temperature since last night.