Source : Webster's Revised Unabridged Dictionary (1913)
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.
{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.
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.
2. Bearing a suitable relation; of just proportion; having
competent power, abilities, or means; adequate; as, he is
not equal to the task.
The Scots trusted not their own numbers as equal to
fight with the English. --Clarendon.
It is not permitted to me to make my commendations
equal to your merit. --Dryden.
Whose voice an equal messenger Conveyed thy meaning
mild. --Emerson.
3. Not variable; equable; uniform; even; as, an equal
movement. ``An equal temper.'' --Dryden.
4. Evenly balanced; not unduly inclining to either side;
characterized by fairness; unbiased; impartial; equitable;
just.
Are not my ways equal? --Ezek. xviii.
29.
Thee, O Jove, no equal judge I deem. --Spenser.
Nor think it equal to answer deliberate reason with
sudden heat and noise. --Milton.
5. Of the same interest or concern; indifferent.
They who are not disposed to receive them may let
them alone or reject them; it is equal to me.
--Cheyne.
6. (Mus.) Intended for voices of one kind only, either all
male or all female; -- opposed to mixed. [R.]
7. (Math.) Exactly agreeing with respect to quantity.
{Equal temperament}. (Mus.) See {Temperament}.
Syn: Even; equable; uniform; adequate; proportionate;
commensurate; fair; just; equitable.
Source : WordNet®
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"