verb
transpire
To give off moisture through pores or surfaces.
Plants transpire water through tiny pores in their leaves.
Etymology
The parts mean breathing through. The physiological sense describes moisture passing outward through pores or surfaces.
More examples
- The tree transpires less water when the soil is dry.
- These seedlings are transpiring steadily in the warm greenhouse.
- The leaves transpired moisture throughout the afternoon.
Forms
transpire · transpires · transpired · transpiring
transpiration noun — The release of moisture through pores or surfaces.
Similar words
- perspire
- Usually describes people releasing sweat through the skin.
- exude
- Means releasing liquid slowly, not necessarily as water vapor.