perspiration

noun

per·​spi·​ra·​tion ˌpər-spə-ˈrā-shən 

1

: the action or process of perspiring

2

: a saline fluid secreted by the sweat glands : sweat

Examples of perspiration in a Sentence

She wiped the perspiration from her forehead.

Recent Examples on the Web

The Dove website explains that when the body breaks down food, the byproducts move through the circulatory system and exit via perspiration, where bacteria on the skin create odor. — Samantha Agate, Charlotte Observer, 6 Oct. 2026

First, rethink your plate, since heavy garlic or spice can sneak into sweat, while fresher meals built around fruits and vegetables keep perspiration less dramatic. — Samantha Agate, Sacbee.com, 5 Oct. 2026

That extra perspiration tends to come from the apocrine glands in the underarms and groin, which produce the thicker, fat- and protein-rich sweat that bacteria feast on. — Samantha Agate, Miami Herald, 5 Oct. 2026

Not only do the odors of both equine and human perspiration, body odor, and hormones linger in the air, but a horse’s hooves contain scent glands that stamp her scent into the ground. — Literary Hub, 2 Sep. 2026

Word History

First Known Use

1583, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Rhymes for perspiration

• abdication
• aberration
• abjuration
• abnegation
• abrogation
• acceptation
• acclamation
• acclimation
• accusation
• activation
• actuation
• acylation

Kids Definition

perspiration

noun

per·​spi·​ra·​tion ˌpər-spə-ˈrā-shən 

1

: the act or process of perspiring

2

: a salty fluid given off by the sweat glands : sweat

Medical Definition

perspiration

noun

per·​spi·​ra·​tion ˌpər-spə-ˈrā-shən 

1

: the act or process of perspiring

2

: a saline fluid that is secreted by the sweat glands, that consists chiefly of water containing sodium chloride and other salts, nitrogenous substances (as urea), carbon dioxide, and other solutes, and that serves both as a means of excretion and as a regulator of body temperature through the cooling effect of its evaporation