Definition

Noun 1. The process of sweating: The natural biological process through which sweat glands in the skin secrete a salty liquid, primarily to regulate body temperature. 2. The salty liquid secreted; sweat: The moisture itself that appears on the skin as a result of the sweating process.

Usage

Perspiration is a formal or technical term for sweat. It is commonly used in medical, scientific, and polite contexts. * As the process (uncountable noun): "Exercise induces perspiration." * As the moisture (uncountable noun): "He wiped the perspiration from his forehead."

Examples

• Referring to the process:
  • Physical exertion leads to increased perspiration.
  • The body uses perspiration as a cooling mechanism.
• Referring to the moisture:
  • Her face was glistening with perspiration after the run.
  • The intense heat caused beads of perspiration to form.

Advanced Usage

• "Break into perspiration": To suddenly begin to sweat, often due to heat, nervousness, or illness.
  • The patient broke into a cold perspiration.
• "Bathed in perspiration": To be covered in sweat.
  • After the marathon, he was bathed in perspiration.

Variants and Related Words

• Perspire (verb): To secrete sweat.
  • Humans perspire to cool down.
• Sweat (noun/verb): A more common, informal synonym for perspiration and perspire.
• Diaphoresis (noun): A medical term for excessive or profuse sweating.

Synonyms

• Sweat
• Moisture (in this specific context)
• Exudation (technical)

Antonyms

• Dryness

Idioms and Common Phrases

• "Blood, sweat, and tears": While using "sweat" more commonly, this idiom signifies extreme hard work and effort, conceptually related to perspiration.
  • The project was a success, but it took blood, sweat, and tears.

Noun

1. the process of the sweat glands of the skin secreting a salty fluid
   • perspiration is a homeostatic process
2. salty fluid secreted by sweat glands
   • sweat poured off his brow