tem·per·ate 
(tĕmpər-ĭt, tĕmprĭt)
(tĕmpər-ĭt, tĕmprĭt)adj.
1.
a. Of or occurring in the Temperate Zone: temperate regions; temperate species.
b. Characterized by moderate temperatures, weather, or climate; neither hot nor cold.
2.
a. Moderate in degree or quality; restrained: temperate criticism.
b. Exercising moderation and self-restraint: learned to be temperate in eating and drinking.
3. Biology Of or relating to a virus that infects bacterial cells but rarely causes lysis: temperate bacteriophages.
[Middle English temperat, from Latin temperātus, from past participle of temperāre, to temper; see TEMPER.]
temper·ate·ly adv.
temper·ate·ness n.