noun

perspiration

per-spuh-RAY-shn/ˌpɜːrspəˈreɪʃn/

Moisture produced and released through the skin.

Beads of perspiration cover his forehead as he wipes his brow.

Close view of a hot man wiping his brow, with clearly visible beads of sweat across his forehead, temples, and neck and a damp patch at his shirt collar.

Etymology

perLatinthrough

+spirLatinto breathe; blow

+ationEnglishprocess or result

The pieces give the image of breathing through. Perspiration first named a breathing-through process, then the release of invisible moisture through the skin, and eventually the sweat itself.

In context

Libranima220:13

Perspiration ran down him in drops, his neck was all wet.

Crime and Punishment - Dostoevsky (Illustrated Audiobook) Part 1 of 2

More examples

Her shirt is damp with perspiration after the workout.
He feels perspiration on his palms before the interview.
Perspiration runs down my back in the summer heat.

Forms

perspiration

perspire verb — To release moisture through the skin.

Similar words

sweat: The everyday word, while perspiration sounds more formal.