(dis·tem′pər) noun
1. Any of several, infectious diseases of animals, especially a catarrhal affection of puppies associated with a filtrable virus.
2. An improper or disordered temper; ill humor.
3. Political or civil disturbance; riot; disorder. [<v.]
—v.t.
1. To disturb or derange the faculties or functions of; disorder.
2. To ruffle; disturb. [<Med. L distemperare <dis- away + temperare regulate, mix]

(dis·tem′pər) noun
1. A pigment mixed with a vehicle (as yolk of eggs or glue) soluble in water, used chiefly for mural decoration and scene painting.
2. The art or process of painting with such materials, or a painting executed in them.
—v.t.
1. To mix, as colors, for distemper painting.
2. To color or paint with distemper.
—adjective Of or pertaining to internal decoration done with distemper. [<OF destemprer <Med. L distemperare <dis- apart + temperare mix, mingle, soak]