Diaphoresis Meaning: Definition, Examples, and Translations

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diaphoresis

[หŒdaษชษ™fษ™หˆriหsษชs ]

Definitions

Context #1 | Noun

medical term

Diaphoresis refers to excessive sweating, typically as a result of a medical condition or physical exertion. It is the body's way of regulating temperature and eliminating toxins. Diaphoresis can be a symptom of various illnesses such as infections, fever, or anxiety disorders.

Synonyms

perspiration, profuse sweating, sweat.

Which Synonym Should You Choose?

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Word Description / Examples
diaphoresis

This term is used in medical contexts to refer to excessive or abnormal sweating, often as a symptom of a condition.

  • The patient showed signs of diaphoresis, indicating a possible heart attack.
  • Diaphoresis can be a side effect of certain medications.
profuse sweating

This phrase is used to describe a situation where someone is sweating heavily. It can be used in both medical and everyday contexts.

  • He experienced profuse sweating due to the intense heat.
  • Profuse sweating can be a sign of hyperhidrosis.
perspiration

This is a general term used to refer to the process of sweating, often used in both everyday and formal contexts.

  • After the workout, her clothes were soaked with perspiration.
  • Perspiration helps to cool the body down in hot weather.
sweat

This is a common term used to describe the moisture excreted through the skin. It is suitable for both informal and neutral contexts.

  • I was drenched in sweat after running for an hour.
  • Don't sweat the small stuff.

Examples of usage

  • Her diaphoresis was a sign of the high fever she was running.
  • The doctor noted the patient's diaphoresis as a possible indicator of an underlying infection.
Context #2 | Noun

formal

Diaphoresis can also be used in a more formal context to describe a state of extreme perspiration or sweating, often in a clinical or scientific setting.

Synonyms

heavy perspiration, sweating profusely.

Which Synonym Should You Choose?

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Word Description / Examples
diaphoresis

Used in medical contexts to refer to excessive sweating, especially when caused by medication or a medical condition.

  • The patient experienced diaphoresis due to the side effects of the medication.
  • Diaphoresis can be a symptom of many illnesses.
sweating profusely

This phrase is informal and can be used in everyday conversations to describe someone sweating a lot. It can imply both physical exertion and emotional stress.

  • He was sweating profusely after running the marathon.
  • When asked about the crime, the suspect started sweating profusely.
heavy perspiration

Used in general situations to describe sweat that is more than usual but not necessarily due to a medical cause. It is a more formal term compared to 'sweating profusely'.

  • After the intense workout, she had heavy perspiration.
  • His heavy perspiration was noticeable during the interview.

Examples of usage

  • The experiment induced diaphoresis in the subjects due to the high temperature environment.
  • His diaphoresis during the presentation was noticeable to everyone in the room.

Translations

To see the translation, please select a language from the options available.

Interesting Facts

Medical Significance

  • Diaphoresis can be a symptom of various conditions, including fevers, anxiety, and heart attacks, making it an important indicator in medicine.
  • In the context of illness, it is often accompanied by cold, clammy skin, which can be a warning sign of a serious health issue.

Psychological Aspects

  • When experiencing stress or anxiety, the body may undergo diaphoresis as part of the fight-or-flight response, helping prepare us to react.
  • People often report sweating more in scenarios involving public speaking or social interactions due to increased nervousness.

Cultural Perceptions

  • In many cultures, excessive sweating may be viewed as a sign of guilt or nervousness, influencing social interactions.
  • On the flip side, sweat is sometimes celebrated in sports as it represents hard work and effort, especially at athletic events.

Scientific Insights

  • The body's ability to sweat is critical for thermoregulation, helping to maintain a safe internal temperature during environmental changes.
  • Research shows that certain foods, like spicy peppers, can trigger diaphoresis due to their impact on body temperature and metabolism.

Origin of 'diaphoresis'

Main points about word origin

  • The term comes from the Greek 'diaphorein,' meaning 'to carry through' or 'to flow through,' which relates to sweat moving through the skin.
  • It has been used in medical texts since the 17th century to describe excessive sweating in patients.

The term 'diaphoresis' originates from the Greek word 'diaphorein', which means 'to carry through'. In ancient times, sweating was believed to help carry toxins out of the body. The concept of diaphoresis has been a part of medical terminology for centuries, with physicians using it to describe the body's natural response to various conditions. Today, diaphoresis continues to be a key indicator in diagnosing and monitoring certain illnesses.


Word Frequency Rank

This word's position of #32,552 indicates it's among the more rare English words. While understanding it broadens your vocabulary, focus on more common words first.