perspiration

/ˈpʌrspəˌreɪʃən/

/pəspəˈreɪʃɪn/

Other forms: perspirations

Perspiration is a polite name for "sweat." Perspiration is what makes you dread gym class and what keeps deodorant manufacturers in business.

Let's face it, sweat is kind of gross — it drips down your face and can even make your body smell badly. But, it doesn't sound so bad if you refer to it as perspiration, does it? Still, perspiration means that salty fluid secreted by your sweat glands, when your body is hot. Perspiration can also be used to mean the process of sweating.

Definitions of perspiration

1. noun

   salty fluid secreted by sweat glands
   synonyms: sudor, sweat

   type of:

   secretion

   a functionally specialized substance (especially one that is not a waste) released from a gland or cell
2. noun

   the process of the sweat glands of the skin secreting a salty fluid
   “perspiration is a homeostatic process”

   synonyms: diaphoresis, hidrosis, sudation, sweating

   types:

   hyperhidrosis, hyperidrosis, polyhidrosis

   excessive and profuse perspiration

   type of:

   activity, bodily function, bodily process, body process

   an organic process that takes place in the body