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noun Temperament n. 1.Internal constitution; state with respect to the relative proportion of different qualities, or constituent parts. "The common law... has reduced the kingdom to its just state and temperament." 2.Due mixture of qualities; a condition brought about by mutual compromises or concessions. (Obs.) "However, I forejudge not any probable expedient, any temperament that can be found in things of this nature, so disputable on their side." 3.The act of tempering or modifying; adjustment, as of clashing rules, interests, passions, or the like; also, the means by which such adjustment is effected. "Wholesome temperaments of the rashness of popular assemblies." 4.Condition with regard to heat or cold; temperature. (Obs.) "Bodies are denominated "hot" and "cold" in proportion to the present temperament of that part of our body to which they are applied." 5.(Mus.) A system of compromises in the tuning of organs, pianofortes, and the like, whereby the tones generated with the vibrations of a ground tone are mutually modified and in part canceled, until their number reduced to the actual practicable scale of twelve tones to the octave. This scale, although in so far artificial, is yet closely suggestive of its origin in nature, and this system of tuning, although not mathematically true, yet satisfies the ear, while it has the convenience that the same twelve fixed tones answer for every key or scale, C sharp becoming identical with D flat, and so on. 6.(Physiol.) The peculiar physical and mental character of an individual, in olden times erroneously supposed to be due to individual variation in the relations and proportions of the constituent parts of the body, especially of the fluids, as the bile, blood, lymph, etc. Hence the phrases, bilious or choleric temperament, sanguine temperament, etc., implying a predominance of one of these fluids and a corresponding influence on the temperament. Equal temperament (Mus.), that in which the variations from mathematically true pitch are distributed among all the keys alike. Unequal temperament (Mus.), that in which the variations are thrown into the keys least used.
adjective Equal adj. 1.Agreeing in quantity, size, quality, degree, value, etc.; having the same magnitude, the same value, the same degree, etc.; applied to number, degree, quantity, and intensity, and to any subject which admits of them; neither inferior nor superior, greater nor less, better nor worse; corresponding; alike; as, equal quantities of land, water, etc.; houses of equal size; persons of equal stature or talents; commodities of equal value. 2.Bearing a suitable relation; of just proportion; having competent power, abilities, or means; adequate; as, he is not equal to the task. "The Scots trusted not their own numbers as equal to fight with the English." "It is not permitted to me to make my commendations equal to your merit." "Whose voice an equal messenger Conveyed thy meaning mild." 3.Not variable; equable; uniform; even; as, an equal movement. "An equal temper." 4.Evenly balanced; not unduly inclining to either side; characterized by fairness; unbiased; impartial; equitable; just. "Are not my ways equal?" "Thee, O Jove, no equal judge I deem." "Nor think it equal to answer deliberate reason with sudden heat and noise." 5.Of the same interest or concern; indifferent. "They who are not disposed to receive them may let them alone or reject them; it is equal to me." 6.(Mus.) Intended for voices of one kind only, either all male or all female; opposed to mixed. (R.) 7.(Math.) Exactly agreeing with respect to quantity. Equal temperament. (Mus.) See Temperament. Synonyms: Even; equable; uniform; adequate; proportionate; commensurate; fair; just; equitable.
Collaborative International Dictionary of English 0.48
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