Constitution; state; degree of any quality.

Condition with respect to heat or cold, especially as indicated by the sensation produced, or by the thermometer or pyrometer; degree of heat or cold; as, the temperature of the air; high temperature; low temperature; temperature of freezing or of boiling.

The degree of heat of the body of a living being, esp. of the human body; also (Colloq.), loosely, the excess of this over the normal (of the human body 98°-99.5° F., in the mouth of an adult about 98.4°).

The degree of hotness or coldness of anything.

Temperature is important to a water system, as cool water can hold more oxygen than warm water. Changes in temperature over a stretch of stream may show a source of pollution to the water such as a drain from a parking lot or factory.

Water temperature is important for fish spawning and aquatic life. Between May and September, when trout are spawning, water should be less than 12°C. Between October and April, water should be less than 20°C for general trout health and less than 25°C for most native fish. Water temperature is affected by climate and by discharges of cooling water from industry. Temperatures are naturally higher in the northern Waikato than in streams near Taupo.

Water temperature has an important effect on the chemical, physical, and biological processes occurring in aquatic environments. Sudden fluctuations or high temperatures can stress or kill fish.

A site on a stream or drainage ditch where water temperature records are made.

The temperature of a star as estimated from the intensity of the stellar radiation at two or more colors or wavelengths.

The temperature of a blackbody that would radiate the same total amount of energy that a particular object, such as a star, does.

The temperature of a star as estimated from the relative strengths of lines in its spectrum that originate from atoms in different stages of excitation.