Perspiration Meaning: Definition, Examples, and Translations
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perspiration
[หpษหrspษหreษชสษn ]
Definitions
physical activity
The process of sweating, typically as a result of heat or physical exertion. Perspiration is the body's way of regulating temperature by releasing moisture through the skin's pores.
Synonyms
Which Synonym Should You Choose?
| Word | Description / Examples |
|---|---|
| perspiration |
Use in formal contexts, medical or technical discussions.
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| sweat |
Commonly used in casual conversations, everyday language and in expressions related to effort, stress, or heat.
|
| sweating |
Refers to the act of sweating, commonly used when describing the action or ongoing process of releasing sweat.
|
| sweatiness |
Descriptive term often used when talking about the state of being sweaty, typically has a more negative or uncomfortable connotation.
|
Examples of usage
- After running a few miles, I was covered in perspiration.
- The intense workout caused profuse perspiration.
formal
The act or process of excreting moisture through the pores of the skin.
Synonyms
Which Synonym Should You Choose?
| Word | Description / Examples |
|---|---|
| perspiration |
Suitable for medical or formal contexts where the biological process of sweating is discussed.
|
| sweating |
Commonly used in everyday conversation to describe the body's response to heat or physical exertion.
|
| sudation |
Rarely used, mainly found in scientific or specialized medical texts. Not commonly used in everyday language.
|
Examples of usage
- The doctor noted an increase in the patient's perspiration during the examination.
Translations
To see the translation, please select a language from the options available.
Interesting Facts
Science
- Sweating helps regulate the body's temperature by releasing heat through moisture.
- Perspiration consists mostly of water, but also contains salts and small amounts of other substances like urea.
- On average, a person can lose about 1 liter of sweat per hour during intense activity.
Health
- Regular sweating through exercise can help improve skin health by clearing out pores.
- Dehydration can occur if too much fluid is lost through perspiration without replacement, highlighting the importance of hydration.
- Certain medical conditions can lead to excessive sweating, known as hyperhidrosis, which can affect daily life.
Culture
- In some cultures, sweating is seen as a sign of hard work and dedication, especially in physical labor.
- Saunas, popular in Finland and other cultures, use heat to induce sweating, believed to have health benefits.
Psychology
- Sweating can be a response to stress or anxiety, sometimes even leading to social situations that trigger nervous sweating.
- The discomfort associated with perspiration can affect self-esteem, often leading people to seek anti-perspirant products.
Origin of 'perspiration'
Main points about word origin
- The word comes from the Latin 'perspirare' which means 'to breathe through.'
- It has been used in English since the early 15th century, with its meaning evolving from 'to cause to breathe.'
The word 'perspiration' comes from the Latin word 'perspirare', which combines 'per-' (through) and 'spirare' (to breathe). The term has been used in English since the early 15th century to refer to the process of sweating. Perspiration is a natural bodily function that helps regulate body temperature and eliminate toxins.
See also: perspiring.