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perspiration

/ˈpʌrspəˌreɪʃən/
/pəspəˈreɪʃɪn/
IPA guide

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
    see moresee less
    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”
    see moresee less
    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
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DISCLAIMER: These example sentences appear in various news sources and books to reflect the usage of the word ‘perspiration'. Views expressed in the examples do not represent the opinion of Vocabulary.com or its editors. Send us feedback
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