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

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

During the later summer months, transpiration is highest, Quinn said, because the crops are at pollination. —Maya Wilkins, Chicago Tribune, 24 July 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