The musical term moderato refers to the medium plate.
When moderato is used in conjunction with other speed markers, it means to control it, that is, whether it is fast or slow, it must be controlled. For example, a controlled Allegro is slightly slower than an Allegro; a controlled Adagio is slightly faster than an Adagio.
Moderato means medium plate, medium speed. It is a speed term for the staff. Generally, there are about 88 beats in one minute with this mark, which is a medium speed.