transpiration: meaning, definition, pronunciation and examples
LowTechnical/Scientific
Quick answer
What does “transpiration” mean?
The process by which water vapour is lost from plants through tiny pores in their leaves.
Audio
Pronunciation
Definition
Meaning and Definition
The process by which water vapour is lost from plants through tiny pores in their leaves.
The process of emitting vapour or moisture through pores or a surface; figuratively, the release or manifestation of something intangible (e.g., an idea, influence).
Dialectal Variation
British vs American Usage
Differences
No significant differences in meaning. Spelling is identical.
Connotations
Strictly technical in both varieties. No regional connotations.
Frequency
Slightly more common in British environmental science discourse, but the difference is negligible.
Grammar
How to Use “transpiration” in a Sentence
N of N (transpiration of water)N + N (transpiration rate)Adj + N (excessive transpiration)Vocabulary
Collocations
Examples
Examples of “transpiration” in a Sentence
verb
British English
- Plants transpire more rapidly in dry, windy conditions.
- The data shows how much water the crop transpired.
American English
- The forest transpires significant amounts of moisture into the atmosphere.
- Scientists measured how quickly the species transpires.
adverb
British English
- The water moved transpirationally through the plant.
adjective
British English
- The transpirational water loss was measured hourly.
- They studied the transpiration stream in the xylem.
American English
- Transpiration rates vary with soil moisture.
- The model incorporates transpirational cooling effects.
Usage
Meaning in Context
Business
Virtually unused.
Academic
Common in botany, plant physiology, ecology, environmental science and hydrology papers.
Everyday
Extremely rare outside educational or gardening contexts.
Technical
Core term in plant biology, meteorology, and agricultural science.
Vocabulary
Synonyms of “transpiration”
Neutral
Vocabulary
Antonyms of “transpiration”
Watch out
Common Mistakes When Using “transpiration”
- Spelling: 'transperation' (incorrect). Using it as a general synonym for 'evaporation' (evaporation is from surfaces; transpiration specifically from plants).
FAQ
Frequently Asked Questions
Evaporation is the general process of liquid turning to vapour from any surface (soil, water bodies). Transpiration is specifically the evaporation of water from inside plants, through their stomata.
It is vital for transporting water and nutrients from roots to leaves, provides cooling for the plant, and contributes significantly to atmospheric humidity and the water cycle.
No, for humans, the equivalent process is 'perspiration' (sweating). 'Transpiration' is exclusively used for plants in standard English.
It is a common technical term in biology and environmental sciences but is rarely used in everyday conversation.
The process by which water vapour is lost from plants through tiny pores in their leaves.
Transpiration is usually technical/scientific in register.
Transpiration: in British English it is pronounced /ˌtræn.spɪˈreɪ.ʃən/, and in American English it is pronounced /ˌtræn.spəˈreɪ.ʃən/. Tap the audio buttons above to hear it.
Phrases
Idioms & Phrases
- “None”
Learning
Memory Aids
Mnemonic
Think: TRANSPIRATION = plants TRANSpiring (like 'breathing out') PERSPIRATION (sweat). Plants 'sweat' water vapour.
Conceptual Metaphor
PLANTS ARE BREATHING ENTITIES; RELEASE IS EMANATION.
Practice
Quiz
Transpiration is most closely related to which of the following processes?