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

And a reprise of a ballad about happy days, first played as a falsehood only to be refashioned as a genuine statement of rebirth, suggests inspiration momentarily winning over perspiration. —David Fear, Rolling Stone, 4 Dec. 2024

The Dysons solve a hyper-specific issue: Many of the cheerleaders return from practice with the front of their hair wet from perspiration. —Elise Taylor, Vogue, 26 Nov. 2024

To extend the time between cleanings, wear a washable T-shirt or blouse next to your body to absorb perspiration and body oils. —Mary Marlowe Leverette, Southern Living, 21 Nov. 2024

Water-repellent coatings on both the plumes and fabric keep the jacket lofty through light precipitation or modest perspiration, but this piece is no standout in breathability or rain resistance. —Kelly Bastone, Outside Online, 4 Nov. 2024

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