noun

transpiration

tran-spuh-RAY-shuhn

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Transpiration (noun) means the process by which plants lose water vapour into the air, mainly through tiny pores called stomata on the underside of their leaves. Example: “Transpiration pulls water up from the roots all the way to the topmost leaves.”

noun

The process by which plants lose water vapour into the air, mainly through tiny pores called stomata on the underside of their leaves.

"Transpiration pulls water up from the roots all the way to the topmost leaves."

"On a hot, windy day the rate of transpiration rises sharply and the plant may wilt."

technical The giving off of moisture through the skin or another surface; sweating.

"Insensible transpiration through the skin accounts for a surprising amount of daily fluid loss."

How to use transpiration

Learner’s notes

In plain EnglishPlants losing water into the air through their leaves.

When to use it

Almost always used in biology, geography and agriculture; rarely appears in everyday conversation.

Memory tip

Do not confuse it with respiration: transpiration is about losing water, respiration is about releasing energy from sugar.

Trace the full origin ↓

Easily confused with

evaporation → respiration → perspiration →

Common pairings

rate of transpiration transpiration stream transpiration pull evapotranspiration

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C2 · Advanced serendipity Fortunate discoveries made entirely by accident.

Gen Z slang rizz Charm — the ability to attract a romantic interest.

B2 · Intermediate empathy The capacity to share another person’s feelings.

C1 · Advanced nonchalant Casually calm and relaxed; unconcerned.

Internet slang delulu Delusional — believing something against the odds.

Etymology nostalgia Greek nostos “return home” + algos “pain”.

C2 · Advanced serendipity Fortunate discoveries made entirely by accident.

Gen Z slang rizz Charm — the ability to attract a romantic interest.

B2 · Intermediate empathy The capacity to share another person’s feelings.

C1 · Advanced nonchalant Casually calm and relaxed; unconcerned.

Internet slang delulu Delusional — believing something against the odds.

Etymology nostalgia Greek nostos “return home” + algos “pain”.

Test yourself on “transpiration” A quick quiz — meaning, synonyms & usage →

Fill the gap

Can you complete this real example?

_____ pulls water up from the roots all the way to the topmost leaves.

Etymology

From Latin trans- 'through' and spirare 'to breathe'.

Origin: Latin

Synonyms

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water loss evaporation perspiration sweating

Related words

sweat sweating vapor vapour dehydration evaporation perspiration hidrosis

Rhymes for transpiration

region ablation allusion emulsion ideation novation diffusion elocution extension oxidation perfusion selection

See all rhymes for transpiration →

Frequently asked questions

What is the difference between transpiration and evaporation?

Evaporation is water turning to vapour from any surface, such as a puddle or a lake. Transpiration is specifically water leaving a living plant through its stomata, and the plant can control it by opening and closing those pores. Scientists often combine the two as 'evapotranspiration'.

Why is transpiration important?

It creates the suction that draws water and dissolved minerals up from the roots, cools the leaves, and returns huge volumes of water to the atmosphere. Forests move so much water this way that they influence regional rainfall.

When does transpiration happen fastest?

When it is hot, dry, bright and windy, because the stomata are open for photosynthesis and the surrounding air carries the vapour away quickly. It slows at night and in humid, still conditions.

What is the meaning of transpiration?

"transpiration" (noun) means the process by which plants lose water vapour into the air, mainly through tiny pores called stomata on the underside of their leaves.

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sweat sweating vapor vapour dehydration evaporation perspiration hidrosis