Found 2 items, similar to equal temperament.
English → English (WordNet) Definition: equal temperament equal temperament n : the division of the scale based on an octave that is divided into twelve exactly equal semitones; “equal temperament is the system commonly used in keyboard instruments”
English → English (gcide) Definition: Equal temperament Temperament \Tem"per*a*ment\, n. [L. temperamentum a mixing in due proportion, proper measure, temperament: cf. F. temp['e]rament. See Temper, v. t.] 1. Internal constitution; state with respect to the relative proportion of different qualities, or constituent parts. [1913 Webster] The common law . . . has reduced the kingdom to its just state and temperament. --Sir M. Hale. [1913 Webster] 2. Due mixture of qualities; a condition brought about by mutual compromises or concessions. [Obs.] [1913 Webster] However, I forejudge not any probable expedient, any temperament that can be found in things of this nature, so disputable on their side. --Milton. [1913 Webster] 3. The act of tempering or modifying; adjustment, as of clashing rules, interests, passions, or the like; also, the means by which such adjustment is effected. [1913 Webster] Wholesome temperaments of the rashness of popular assemblies. --Sir J. Mackintosh. [1913 Webster] 4. Condition with regard to heat or cold; temperature. [Obs.] [1913 Webster] Bodies are denominated “hot” and “cold” in proportion to the present temperament of that part of our body to which they are applied. --Locke. [1913 Webster] 5. (Mus.) A system of compromises in the tuning of organs, pianofortes, and the like, whereby the tones generated with the vibrations of a ground tone are mutually modified and in part canceled, until their number reduced to the actual practicable scale of twelve tones to the octave. This scale, although in so far artificial, is yet closely suggestive of its origin in nature, and this system of tuning, although not mathematically true, yet satisfies the ear, while it has the convenience that the same twelve fixed tones answer for every key or scale, C[sharp] becoming identical with D[flat], and so on. [1913 Webster] 6. (Physiol.) The peculiar physical and mental character of an individual, in olden times erroneously supposed to be due to individual variation in the relations and proportions of the constituent parts of the body, especially of the fluids, as the bile, blood, lymph, etc. Hence the phrases, bilious or choleric temperament, sanguine temperament, etc., implying a predominance of one of these fluids and a corresponding influence on the temperament. [1913 Webster] Equal temperament (Mus.), that in which the variations from mathematically true pitch are distributed among all the keys alike. Unequal temperament (Mus.), that in which the variations are thrown into the keys least used. [1913 Webster] Equal \E"qual\, a. [L. aequalis, fr. aequus even, equal; akin to Skr. ?ka, and perh. to L. unus for older oinos one, E. one.] 1. Agreeing in quantity, size, quality, degree, value, etc.; having the same magnitude, the same value, the same degree, etc.; -- applied to number, degree, quantity, and intensity, and to any subject which admits of them; neither inferior nor superior, greater nor less, better nor worse; corresponding; alike; as, equal quantities of land, water, etc.; houses of equal size; persons of equal stature or talents; commodities of equal value. [1913 Webster] 2. Bearing a suitable relation; of just proportion; having competent power, abilities, or means; adequate; as, he is not equal to the task. [1913 Webster] The Scots trusted not their own numbers as equal to fight with the English. --Clarendon. [1913 Webster] It is not permitted to me to make my commendations equal to your merit. --Dryden. [1913 Webster] Whose voice an equal messenger Conveyed thy meaning mild. --Emerson. [1913 Webster] 3. Not variable; equable; uniform; even; as, an equal movement. “An equal temper.” --Dryden. [1913 Webster] 4. Evenly balanced; not unduly inclining to either side; characterized by fairness; unbiased; impartial; equitable; just. [1913 Webster] Are not my ways equal? --Ezek. xviii. 29. [1913 Webster] Thee, O Jove, no equal judge I deem. --Spenser. [1913 Webster] Nor think it equal to answer deliberate reason with sudden heat and noise. --Milton. [1913 Webster] 5. Of the same interest or concern; indifferent. [1913 Webster] They who are not disposed to receive them may let them alone or reject them; it is equal to me. --Cheyne. [1913 Webster] 6. (Mus.) Intended for voices of one kind only, either all male or all female; -- opposed to mixed. [R.] [1913 Webster] 7. (Math.) Exactly agreeing with respect to quantity. [1913 Webster] Equal temperament. (Mus.) See Temperament. Syn: Even; equable; uniform; adequate; proportionate; commensurate; fair; just; equitable. [1913 Webster]