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to distemper

to distemper

1 9.2
To paint a surface using water-based paint for murals
  • verb
  • /dɪˈstɛmpər/
  • Archaic
translation icon : pintar al temple
  • - We're painting, not distempering.

Examples

  • This distempered spirit will ride again.

  • Is in his retirement marvelous distempered.

  • Is in his retirement marvelous distempered.

  • So that for want of sleep and sustenance my mind's distempered... and my body's numbed.

  • - He's marvellous distempered.

  • Solar foods are beneficial to humanity, for should any organ conflate or grow distempered, others miscarry—as if the fifth string of a musical instrument should be tight or loose.

    Fiction book (1991)
  • They decided to distemper the walls of the old house to give it a fresh look.

  • In preparation for the exhibition, the artist will distemper the large canvas with vibrant colors.

  • He learned how to distemper the furniture using a traditional technique that enhances the wood grain.

Synonyms

to paint
vsto distemper
854 1.0

To put coloured liquid on a surface to protect or change how it looks

refers to using a traditional water based coating rather than any colored liquid

Compounds

canine distemper
  • Specialized
5.1

A contagious virus infection in dogs that causes fever, cough, and sometimes brain problems

equine distemper
  • Specialized
7.7

A serious disease of horses caused by germs that makes the nose and throat sore and swollen

Surface Forms

distemper infinitive
distempered past participle
distempering present participle
distempers third person singular

Etymology

Distemper as a verb comes from the same parts dis- and temper, with temper meaning 'to mix'. So to distemper a wall is simply to paint it with that mixed, water-based paint.