transpiration

noun

tran·​spi·​ra·​tion ˌtran(t)s-pə-ˈrā-shən How to pronounce transpiration (audio)
: 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 adjective

Examples of transpiration in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web
Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to show current usage. Read More Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.
This allows a higher rate of transpiration as the water and nutrients move through the plant's vascular system. Mary Marlowe Leverette, Southern Living, 9 Oct. 2025 The innovative device, which mimics a plant’s natural transpiration process, reduced cesium concentration in soil by over 95% in just 20 days. Aman Tripathi, Interesting Engineering, 24 Sep. 2025 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 Perforations in the disks increased this thrust, using an effect called thermal transpiration to passively channel the air from cooler to warmer regions. Payal Dhar, Scientific American, 19 Aug. 2025 See All Example Sentences for transpiration

Word History

First Known Use

15th century, in the meaning defined above

Time Traveler
The first known use of transpiration was in the 15th century

Browse Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

“Transpiration.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/transpiration. Accessed 17 Oct. 2025.

Kids Definition

transpiration

noun
tran·​spi·​ra·​tion tran(t)s-pə-ˈrā-shən How to pronounce transpiration (audio)
: 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 How to pronounce transpiration (audio)
: the passage of watery vapor from a living body through a membrane or pores
transpirational adjective

More from Merriam-Webster on transpiration

Last Updated: - Updated example sentences
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