distempers in English

noun

1

a viral disease of some animals, especially dogs, causing fever, coughing, and catarrh.

For example, parvovirus, distemper and rabies are diseases that can be vaccinated against.

2

political disorder.

an attempt to illuminate the moral roots of the modern world's distemper

3

a kind of paint using glue or size instead of an oil base, for use on walls or for scene-painting.

The kitchen gleamed from the distemper Dad had painted on its walls in contrasting shades of green and pink.

verb

1

paint (something) with distemper.

the distempered roof timbers

noun

ill humor, ill humour

Use "distempers" in a sentence

1. Varnishes, lacquers, distempers, paints and similar articles;

2. Legions of distempers (according to Willis and others) very different from the real and genuine scurvy, have been classed under its name: and because the most approved Antiscorbutics fail to remove such diseases, hence we are told by authors (Boerhaave and many others) that it is the masterpiece of art to cure it