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Temperature Definition, Examples & Usage
Meaning 1：measure of heat (temperature)
temperature
/ˈtɛmpərətʃər/
n.
A number that shows how hot or cold something is, usually measured in degrees.
measure of heat
➕
/ˈmɛʒər əv hiːt/
n.
A numerical value that indicates how hot or cold something is, typically measured using a thermometer.
📘 Details & Usage
📖 Root Explanation
From Latin 'temperatura', from 'temperare' (to mix, regulate).
💡 Mnemonic
Think: 'Temp' (temporary) + 'erature' – temperature tells you the temporary state of heat.
📖 Example
For the perfect soft-boiled egg, the water temperature should be exactly 75 degrees Celsius.
To achieve a perfectly soft-boiled egg, the water temperature must be exactly 75 degrees Celsius.
🔗 Collocations
room temperature – the typical temperature of a room (around 20–22°C)
body temperature – the internal temperature of a human body (around 37°C)
high temperature – a temperature significantly above the average or normal level
🔄 Synonyms
heat index (n.) – A measure of how hot it feels based on temperature and humidity
thermometer reading (n.) – The specific number shown on a thermometer
thermal state (n.) – The condition of being hot or cold
📖 Cultural Story
Derived from Latin 'temperatura' meaning 'due measure', it entered Middle English via Old French. In medieval medicine, it referred to the balance of the four humors, later evolving to measure heat and cold.
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