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

This steady stream of passive perspiration keeps the system running even when the user is still. — Neetika Walter, Interesting Engineering, 10 Nov. 2025

The air that’s pushed down helps your body remove excess heat and aids in evaporating perspiration. — Bestreviews, Mercury News, 15 June 2026

Heavier odors, like those left by perspiration, may require a baking soda soak prior to washing. — Kait Hanson, Southern Living, 19 June 2026

If the perspiration cannot evaporate, the body cannot regulate its temperature. — Nancy Badertscher, AJC.com, 29 June 2026

Word History

First Known Use

1583, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Rhymes for perspiration

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

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