transpiration

noun

tran·​spi·​ra·​tion ˌtran(t)s-pə-ˈrā-shən 

: the act or process or an instance of transpiring

especially : the passage of watery vapor from a living body (as of a plant) through a membrane or pores

transpirational

ˌtran(t)s-pə-ˈrā-sh(ə-)nəl 

adjective

Examples of transpiration in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web

On hot, windy days, lawns lose a lot of water through transpiration. — Kim Toscano, Southern Living, 28 Apr. 2026

Inside, plants add moisture to the air through transpiration and thus increase humidity, which will help cool the air as well. — Bestreviews, Mercury News, 15 June 2026

This can be problematic in winter if the ground is frozen because their roots are unable to supply the plant with moisture to compensate for the transpiration. — Luke Miller, Better Homes & Gardens, 19 Jan. 2026

Scorched leaves can occur in very hot weather when the rose plant controls water loss during transpiration by permanently closing stomata, or pores. — Rita Perwich, San Diego Union-Tribune, 6 Sep. 2025

Word History

First Known Use

15th century, in the meaning defined above

Rhymes for transpiration

• abdication
• aberration
• abjuration
• abnegation
• abrogation
• acceptation
• acclamation
• acclimation
• accusation
• activation
• actuation
• acylation

Kids Definition

transpiration

noun

tran·​spi·​ra·​tion tran(t)s-pə-ˈrā-shən 

: the process by which plants give off water vapor through the stomata in their leaves

Medical Definition

transpiration

noun

tran·​spi·​ra·​tion tran(t)s-pə-ˈrā-shən 

: the passage of watery vapor from a living body through a membrane or pores

transpirational

-shnəl, -shən-ᵊl 

adjective