moderation

noun

1. (countable, uncountable)The state or quality of being moderate; avoidance of extremes.

   “...It regulates and governs the Passions of the Mind, and brings them into due moderation and frame...”

   “Mr. Chairman, at this moment I stand astonished at my own moderation!”

   “America is a model of force and freedom and moderation - with all the coarseness and rudeness of its people.”

   “Moderation is a wiser policy than zealotry, I think.”

2. (countable, uncountable)An instance of moderating: bringing something away from extremes, especially in a beneficial way.

   “With the quick moderation of the weather some buying has appeared that had been held up because of the extremely cold weather […].”

3. (countable, uncountable)The process of moderating a discussion.

   “The moderation of a large online forum can be hard work.”

4. (countable, uncountable)Usage of neutron moderator to slow down neutrons in a nuclear reactor.