Origin: Latin suffix -ure
Temperature has 3 different meanings across 1 category:
the degree of hotness or coldness of a body or environment (corresponding to its molecular activity)
"The sudden drop in temperature made everyone realize that our campfire had burned out completely."
the somatic sensation of cold or heat
"After running up the stairs, she wiped the sweat from her forehead and realized that while her body was overheating, the temperature on her skin felt surprisingly cool."
A measure of cold or heat, often measurable with a thermometer.
"The temperature dropped sharply overnight, so I had to bundle up before going outside."
In plain English: Temperature is how hot or cold something feels.
"Please adjust the thermostat to raise the temperature in the room."
Usage: Temperature refers to how hot or cold something is and can be measured using a thermometer. Use this term when discussing the degree of thermal energy rather than general weather conditions like warmth or coolness.
The word temperature comes from the Latin term temperatura, which is derived from the verb meaning "to temper." It entered English to describe the degree of heat or cold in something.