perspiration

noun

per·​spi·​ra·​tion ˌpər-spə-ˈrā-shən 

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

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

Wearables that use sweat to detect stress typically track temperature, heart rate, and perspiration levels as markers for stress. —IEEE Spectrum, 20 July 2018

Because synthetic fibers wick away perspiration with body soil and odors, they should be washed more often. —Mary Marlowe Leverette, Southern Living, 20 Jan. 2025

But times have changed, and for vast numbers of Americans, perspiration is no longer a guarantee of survival. —Jennie Rothenberg Gritz, Smithsonian Magazine, 7 Jan. 2025

Word History

First Known Use

1583, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Kids Definition

perspiration

noun

per·​spi·​ra·​tion ˌpər-spə-ˈrā-shən 

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 

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