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

Example Sentences

Recent Examples on the Web Share [Findings] The decreasing transpiration of plants, a result of rising carbon dioxide levels, was partly to blame for recent heat waves in northern latitudes. Christian Lorentzen, Harpers Magazine, 1 Mar. 2023 Smaller genomes helped flowering plants to cram more cells into their leaves, allowing for more efficient photosynthesis, transpiration, and growth. Ben Crair, The New Yorker, 2 Jan. 2023 Filtering the sun helps the soil retain moisture and shield farmworkers from harsh rays, while lower transpiration means less water is needed for crops. Naoki Nitta, Smithsonian Magazine, 24 Jan. 2023 Parking and transpiration information is available here. Dallas News, 12 Sep. 2022 That may coincide with higher temperatures, leading to more evaporation and transpiration, and also to more variable precipitation patterns. Corey S. Powell, Discover Magazine, 30 June 2020 Evergreens lose water through their leaves in a process called transpiration. Tim Johnson, Chicago Tribune, 13 Nov. 2022 Plants draw water up through their roots and release water vapor into the air through their leaves, a process called transpiration. Antonia Hadjimichael, The Conversation, 10 Nov. 2022 Clothing, sporting goods stores, and transpiration providers have specific MCCs, but standalone gun and ammunition stores don’t. BostonGlobe.com, 30 Aug. 2022 See More

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

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

Dictionary Entries Near transpiration

Cite this Entry

“Transpiration.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/transpiration. Accessed 23 Mar. 2023.

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

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