- 1the measurement in degrees of how hot or cold a thing or place is high/low temperatures a fall/drop in temperature a rise in temperature The temperature has risen (by) five degrees. Heat the oven to a temperature of 400°F (= degrees Fahrenheit). Some places have had temperatures in the 100s (= over 100° Fahrenheit). see absolute temperature, room temperature
- 2the measurement of how hot someone's body is to take someone's temperature (= measure the temperature of someone's body using a special instrument) compare fever Idioms
to increase/decrease the amount of excitement, emotion, etc. in a situation His angry refusal to agree raised the temperature of the meeting. The government tried to lower the political temperature by agreeing to some of the demands.
Check pronunciation: temperature