The word 温度 (wēndù) is formed by combining two meaningful characters: 温 (wēn), which conveys the idea of "warmth" or "lukewarm", and 度 (dù), which denotes a "measure", "degree", or "extent". Together, they create a conceptual compound where 温 provides the core subject (thermal quality) and 度 provides the framework for its quantification, resulting in the integrated meaning of "temperature", literally, the "degree of warmth".