Temperature
The degree or intensity of heat present in a substance or object, typically expressed according to a comparative scale and shown by a thermometer or perceived by touch; in physics, a measure of the average kinetic energy of the particles in a substance.
Temperature is an intensive property (doesn't depend on the amount of substance) and is a measure of the 'hotness' or 'coldness' of a body. It dictates the direction of heat flow.
Word relationships
- Warmth: A moderate degree of heat; 'temperature' is a precise measurement.
- Hotness: The quality of being hot; 'temperature' is the quantitative measure.
- Coldness: The quality of being cold; low temperature.
Commonly confused with
- Heat: Temperature is a measure of the average kinetic energy of particles; heat is the transfer of thermal energy due to a temperature difference.
Word family
- temperamental (adjective): relating to a person's temperament, often implying moodiness (less direct link to heat/cold)
- temperate (adjective): mild, moderate (often referring to climate)
Collocations
- high temperature
- low temperature
- body temperature
- room temperature
- absolute temperature
- measure temperature
Idioms & expressions
- take one's temperature
Example sentences
- "The temperature in the desert can reach extreme highs during the day and drop significantly at night." Measuring environmental conditions.
- "The doctor checked the patient's temperature to see if they had a fever." In a medical context.
Memory hook
TEMPERATURE tells you the TEMPER of the air – is it hot or cold? Degree of Hotness
When not to use
As a direct synonym for 'heat' in scientific contexts, as they are distinct concepts. Temperature is a measure of intensity, while heat is the transfer of energy.
Fun facts
- The Kelvin scale is an absolute temperature scale, where 0 Kelvin (absolute zero) is the theoretical lowest possible temperature.
- The human body's normal temperature is around 37 degrees Celsius (98.6 degrees Fahrenheit).
Related words
Explore more words
thermometer, Thermodynamics, conductivity, conduction, Kinetic, endothermic
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