noun

tempera

/ˈtɛmpərə/ · say it: TEM·pur·uh

paint made by binding pigment with egg yolk

In Arts & Culture

In more detail

1. (noun) a method of painting using pigments mixed with a binder such as egg yolk or glue, which dries quickly

2. (noun) the paint used in this method

Examples

1. The artist created the portrait using tempera on a wooden panel.
2. Tempera is easier to use than oil paint because it dries faster.

How to use tempera

Tempera refers to a traditional painting medium where pigments are bound with materials like egg yolk, which allows for quick drying and bright colors. It is commonly used in fine art, illustration, and historical paintings, and is distinguished from oil painting by its faster drying time and different visual qualities. The term can refer both to the painting technique itself and to the prepared paint used in that technique.

Common phrases

tempera paint
tempera painting
tempera technique
work in tempera
tempera on wood

Synonyms

egg tempera · distemper · gouache

Word family

tempera (noun)

A common mistake

Learners sometimes confuse tempera with watercolor or acrylic, though tempera has distinct handling properties and historical importance; tempera should not be used interchangeably with these other media without understanding their different characteristics.

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