room temperature

[ room tem-per-uh-cher, -choor, -pruh-, -per-cher, room ]

noun

1. a temperature at which food, drink, medicine, etc., is neither cooled nor heated:

   Unopened, our sauces can be stored at room temperature for months, but opened jars must be refrigerated.

   The cheeses are best served at room temperature.

2. any indoor temperature that falls within a range considered comfortable for human occupancy:

   We tested the strength of the bond at room temperature and at 140°F.

room temperature

noun

1. the normal temperature of a living room, usually taken as being around 20°C

Word History and Origins

Origin of room temperature¹

First recorded in 1845–50

Example Sentences

Also known as decahydronaphthalene, it is a colourless liquid at room temperature that is often used as a solvent, as well as in the production of various resins and polymers.

From Science Daily

The room temperature can be adjusted by request — I run hot, so I asked them to turn off the heat.

From Salon

There are surprisingly few studies about the effect of drinking cold water compared to room temperature.

From Salon

Rea added that when making hot lobster rolls, tossing the heated lobster with room temperature butter yields a “creamy” filling rather than an “oily” one that’s easily absorbed into the toasted bread.

From Salon

The fruit stays fresh at room temperature for about three days after picking.

From Salon