distemper in English
- distemper⇄distemper (1), noun, verb.
- distemper⇄distemper (2), noun, verb.
- distemper⇄feline enteritis ordistemper
a contagious virus disease of cats, usually fatal, characterized especially by diarrhea; cat distemper. - distemper⇄noun 1. paint made by mixing the colors with eggs or glue instead of oil; tempera. Distemper is often used for painting on plaster walls.
2. a method of painting with such a mixture.
3. a picture painted by this method.
4. (British.) - distemper⇄noun 1a. an infectious disease of dogs and other animals, accompanied by fever, a short, dry cough, and weakness. It is caused by a virus and affects chiefly young dogs.
b. a serious viral disease of cats; feline enteritis.
Ex. Kittens shoul - distemper⇄v.t. to make unbalanced; disturb; disorder.
Ex. ... the plight of the decent man in a sorely distempered society (Atlantic).
(SYN) trouble, vex, upset. - distemper⇄v.t. 1. to paint in distemper.
2. to mix (colors) by the distemper method.
3. (British.) to calcimine.
4. (Obsolete.) to dilute; dissolve; soak.
distemper in Gujarati ગુજરાતી
distemper in Sindhi سنڌي
Distemper
Part of Speech
Noun, Verb
Pronunciation
/dɪˈstɛmpər/
Definitions
- 1. (noun) A disease, especially in animals, causing fever and discharge, often used to refer to a viral infection in dogs.
- 2. (noun) A type of painting technique involving water-based pigments, used in art for centuries.
- 3. (verb) To coat or paint something with distemper, especially in art or decoration.
Usage Examples
- The dog was diagnosed with distemper, requiring immediate medical treatment.
- The artist used distemper to create vibrant murals in the temple.
- He carefully distempered the wooden surface before applying the final layer of paint.
Etymology
The term "distemper" originates from the Middle French "déstempere," which means "to disorder" or "to disturb the balance." It comes from the Old French "déstemper," based on Latin "dis-" meaning "apart" and "temperare" meaning "to mix" or "to temper." Initially, it referred to a state of imbalance or disorder, later used in various contexts like animal diseases and painting techniques.
Synonyms
- Illness (for the disease context)
- Virus (for the animal disease context)
- Watercolor (for the painting context)
Antonyms
- Health (for the disease context)
- Restoration (for the painting context)
Translations
| Language | Translation | Pronunciation |
|---|---|---|
| German | Störung | /ˈʃtøːʁʊŋ/ |
| French | Maladie | /ma.la.di/ |
| Spanish | Enfermedad | /en.feɾ.meˈðað/ |
| Italian | Malattia | /maˈlatːia/ |
| Portuguese | Doença | /doˈɛ̃sɐ/ |
| Hindi | रोग (Rog) | /roːɡ/ |
| Chinese (Mandarin) | 传染病 (Chuánrǎn bìng) | /ʈʂʰwæn˧˥ ʐan˨˩ biŋ˥˩/ |
| Russian | Болезнь (Bolezn') | /bɐˈlʲeznʲ/ |
Regional Pronunciation Variations
- American English: /dɪˈstɛmpər/
- British English: /dɪˈstɛmpər/
- Australian English: /dɪˈstɛmpər/
Historical Usage
Historically, "distemper" referred to a general state of imbalance or disorder, particularly in medicine. By the late 18th century, it was used specifically to describe a viral infection in animals, especially dogs. In art, the technique of distemper painting has been used since the Middle Ages, with notable use in ancient Egyptian murals and medieval religious art. It was a common method for artists before oil paints became popular in the Renaissance.
Cultural Nuances
In the context of animal diseases, distemper has been a significant concern in veterinary care, especially in the 19th and 20th centuries. It remains a critical issue for pet owners and veterinarians, especially in the case of canines. Distemper as a painting technique has enjoyed a resurgence in modern times as artists explore historical methods. In certain cultures, distemper painting is revered for its use in sacred art, particularly in Hindu and Buddhist temples where vibrant, durable murals are integral to religious expression.
More Information
The use of "distemper" to refer to both a disease and a type of paint reflects its broad historical roots. In veterinary medicine, distemper is still a major concern for many animal species, especially canines, where it remains a viral disease that affects the respiratory and nervous systems. In art, distemper painting continues to be a popular choice for muralists and artists seeking a traditional and vibrant medium for their work. The evolution of distemper in both fields reflects its importance in culture and history, continuing to influence art and animal care to this day.