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adj. 1. a. Of or occurring in the Temperate Zone: temperate regions; temperate species. b. Characterized by moderate temperatures, weather, or climate; neither hot nor cold. 2. a. Moderate in degree or quality; restrained: temperate criticism. b. Exercising moderation and self-restraint: learned to be temperate in eating and drinking. 3. Biology Of or relating to a virus that infects bacterial cells but rarely causes lysis: temperate bacteriophages. [Middle English temperat, from Latin temperātus, from past participle of temperāre, to temper; see TEMPER.] temper·ate·ly adv. temper·ate·ness n. |
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