perspiration

noun

per·​spi·​ra·​tion ˌpər-spə-ˈrā-shən How to pronounce perspiration (audio)
1
: the action or process of perspiring
2
: a saline fluid secreted by the sweat glands : sweat

Examples of perspiration in a Sentence

She wiped the perspiration from her forehead.
Recent Examples on the Web
Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to show current usage. Read More Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.
The suit is also incredibly breathable because of a proprietary weaving technique which helps the rider experience less perspiration and fluid loss as a result. New Atlas, 27 Feb. 2025 Those who experience it often exhibit anxiety, avoidance behaviors, and sometimes physical symptoms such as an elevated heart rate or perspiration when anticipating a phone call. Matt Robison, Newsweek, 18 Feb. 2025 Moisture from perspiration or sweat increases the force of friction, contributing to the formation of friction blisters. Laura Schober, Health, 27 Dec. 2024 Specifically, the rapid drops of reproductive hormones such as estrogen and progesterone impact the thermoregulatory centers of the brain - causing the body to attempt to dissipate the sudden heat through perspiration and heat influxes. Daryl Austin, USA TODAY, 24 Jan. 2025 See All Example Sentences for perspiration

Word History

First Known Use

1583, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Time Traveler
The first known use of perspiration was in 1583

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Cite this Entry

“Perspiration.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/perspiration. Accessed 13 Mar. 2025.

Kids Definition

perspiration

noun
per·​spi·​ra·​tion ˌpər-spə-ˈrā-shən How to pronounce perspiration (audio)
1
: the act or process of perspiring
2
: a salty fluid given off by the sweat glands : sweat

Medical Definition

perspiration

noun
per·​spi·​ra·​tion ˌpər-spə-ˈrā-shən How to pronounce perspiration (audio)
1
: the act or process of perspiring
2
: a saline fluid that is secreted by the sweat glands, that consists chiefly of water containing sodium chloride and other salts, nitrogenous substances (as urea), carbon dioxide, and other solutes, and that serves both as a means of excretion and as a regulator of body temperature through the cooling effect of its evaporation

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