temperament

C1 · Advanced Uncountable noun Science Technical

n. the parts of your behavior that you are born with, rather than things you learn.

n. biologically based individual differences in behavior that are relatively independent of learning and social values.

“Researchers study infant temperament to see how personality develops over time.”

“The study suggests that certain aspects of temperament, such as sensitivity to noise, are evident from birth.”

C2 · Proficiency Uncountable noun Music Technical

n. a way of tuning an instrument so that it sounds good in different keys.

n. a system of tuning in which the intervals deviate from the mathematically pure intervals of the harmonic series.

“Equal temperament is the most common tuning system used for modern pianos.”

“The harpsichordist preferred using a historical temperament to better capture the intended dissonances of the Baroque composition.”

C2 · Proficiency Countable noun Archaic

n. a balanced mix of different parts or ingredients.

n. a moderate or proportional mixture of elements or ingredients in a compound.

“The old book described the temperament of the medicine as a perfect balance of herbs.”

“In ancient philosophy, health was often defined as the proper temperament of the four bodily humours.”