Definition

1. Noun:
   • The degree or intensity of heat present in a substance or object, especially as expressed according to a comparative scale and shown by a thermometer or perceived by touch. This is the primary scientific and everyday meaning, referring to how hot or cold something is.
   • A body temperature above the normal range; a fever. In a medical context, "temperature" commonly refers to a feverish state.

Usage and Examples

• Referring to environmental or object heat/cold:

  • The average temperature in July is 30°C.
  • Water boils at a temperature of 100°C at sea level.
  • This material can withstand very high temperatures.

• Referring to body temperature/fever:

  • The nurse will take your temperature.
  • She's staying home because she has a temperature.

Advanced Usage and Nuances

• "Room temperature": The typical temperature of a comfortable indoor environment, often around 20-22°C (68-72°F).

  • Serve the red wine at room temperature.

• "To take someone's temperature": To measure a person's body temperature, typically with a thermometer.

  • The doctor took the child's temperature.

• "To run a temperature": To have a fever.

  • He's running a temperature, so he should rest.

Variants and Related Words

• Temperate (adj): Relating to or denoting a region or climate characterized by mild temperatures. (e.g., a zone).
• Thermometer (n): An instrument for measuring temperature.

Synonyms

• Heat (when referring to high temperature).
• Fever (specifically for the medical sense).
• Thermal reading (technical).

Idioms and Common Phrases

• "Raise the temperature": To increase the intensity of a situation, often a conflict or debate.

  • His angry comments really raised the temperature of the meeting.

• "Take the temperature of": To gauge the feelings or opinions of a group.

  • The manager gave a speech to take the temperature of the staff regarding the new policy.

Noun

1. the somatic sensation of cold or heat
2. the degree of hotness or coldness of a body or environment (corresponding to its molecular activity)