perspire

[per-spahyuhr]

verb (used without object)

perspired, perspiring 

1. to secrete a salty, watery fluid from the sweat glands of the skin, especially when very warm as a result of strenuous exertion; sweat.

verb (used with object)

perspired, perspiring 

1. to emit through pores; exude.

perspire

/ pəˈspaɪə /

verb

1. to secrete or exude (perspiration) through the pores of the skin

Other Word Forms

• perspiringly adverb
• perspirability noun
• perspirable adjective
• perspiry adjective
• unperspired adjective
• unperspiring adjective

Word History and Origins

Origin of perspire¹

1640–50; < Latin perspīrāre to blow constantly (said of the wind), breathe through; in New Latin: to sweat imperceptibly. See per-, inspire

Word History and Origins

Origin of perspire¹

C17: from Latin perspīrāre to blow, from per- (through) + spīrāre to breathe; compare _inspire

Example Sentences

They do not sweat like humans – only perspiring a small amount through the pads on their paws, with their often thick fur coats meaning their core temperature can rise quickly in high temperatures.

From BBC

Then he mopped his perspiring brow with me.

From Literature

Your nose will perspire and you will feel compelled to touch it.

From New York Times

Still he battled on against the Dutch - limping, perspiring and also taking one stomach-churning blow where no man wants to be hit as he went.

From BBC

Scientists believe that if you perspire more during the later questions, then you are lying.

From Encyclopedia.com

Related Words

• secrete