perspiration

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noun per·spi·ra·tion \ ˌpər-spə-ˈrā-shən \

Definition of perspiration

1 :the action or process of perspiring

2 :a saline fluid secreted by the sweat glands :sweat

See perspiration defined for English-language learners

See perspiration defined for kids

Examples of perspiration in a Sentence

She wiped the perspiration from her forehead.

Recent Examples of perspiration from the Web

Using a high-tech approach to curb habitual drunken driving, such offenders in Jefferson County will be fitted with ankle bracelets that test their perspiration for alcohol every 30 minutes.

— andrew wolfson, The Courier-Journal, "Repeat drunken drivers to get ankle bracelets that monitor sweat for alcohol," 16 Aug. 2017
Additionally, the fabric is a next generation of perspiration removal:

— rick bonnell and katherine peralta kperalta@charlotteobserver.com, charlotteobserver, "No vintage pinstripes yet, but Hornets throwbacks could still make a comeback this season," 31 July 2017
That means a device could potentially communicate abnormally high, but not low, blood sugar from perspiration.

— laura entis, Fortune, "Fitness Trackers Won’t Make You Fit. Can They Make You Well?," 24 July 2017
Higher humidity makes things worse because perspiration won’t evaporate as quickly.

— josh funk, The Seattle Times, "Immigrant deaths in tractor-trailer highlight danger of heat," 23 July 2017
Like waterproof protection from your own disgusting perspiration.

— dayna evans, The Cut, "The Working Woman’s Guide to Commuting by Bike in the Swampy Heat of Summer," 18 July 2017
Cotton ones retain moisture (translation: rubbing and blisters), so pack wool and synthetic blends which wick away perspiration, keeping your feet dry and blister-free. 5.

— cassie shortsleeve, CNT, "How to Pack for a Hiking Trip," 7 July 2017
Deodorant is simply made to curb body odor, and antiperspirant is meant to curb sweat (or perspiration).

— emma sarran webster, Teen Vogue, "Deodorant Aluminum: What You Should Know," 5 July 2017
For Kudo, Cummins delicately presses the pianist’s hands on a dry towel in case there’s any perspiration.

— star-telegram, "Keyed Up: Behind the curtains of the Van Cliburn International Piano Competition," 5 July 2017

These example sentences are selected automatically from various online news sources to reflect current usage of the word 'perspiration.' Views expressed in the examples do not represent the opinion of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.

First Known Use of perspiration

1583

Other Physiology Terms

eructation, flux, gustatory, menarche, myopia, senescence, torpor

PERSPIRATION Defined for English Language Learners

perspiration

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noun

Definition of perspiration for English Language Learners

: the clear liquid that forms on your skin when you are hot or nervous
: the act or process of perspiring

PERSPIRATION Defined for Kids

perspiration

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noun per·spi·ra·tion \ ˌpər-spə-ˈrā-shən \

Definition of perspiration for Students

1 :the act or process of perspiring

2 :salty liquid given off from skin glands

Medical Dictionary

perspiration

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noun per·spi·ra·tion \ ˌpər-spə-ˈrā-shən \

medical Definition of perspiration

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