The process of improving the hardness and elasticity of a metal by reheating and then cooling it.
The blacksmith used tempering to enhance the strength of the steel sword.
The process of adjusting or moderating something to achieve a desired effect.
The chef's tempering of the spices resulted in a perfectly balanced dish.
In Indian and South Asian cooking, a technique of briefly frying whole spices in hot oil or ghee to release their flavors before adding them to a dish.
The dal gained a rich aroma after the tempering of cumin and mustard seeds.
In confectionery, the controlled heating and cooling of chocolate to stabilize the cocoa butter crystals and give the finished product a glossy finish and firm snap.
Proper tempering of the chocolate ensured a shiny coating on the truffles.
temperinggerund / present participle
Having a moderating or softening effect.
The tempering winds kept the summer heat bearable.
temperverb
To moderate or mitigate; to soften or tone down.
She tempered her criticism with a compliment to avoid hurting his feelings.
To harden or strengthen (metal or glass) by heating and then cooling.
The blacksmith tempered the steel to make it more durable.
To adjust or attune to a particular tone or pitch.
The musician tempered the instrument to ensure it was in perfect harmony.