perspiration
nounUK /ˌpɜːspəˈɹeɪʃən/ · US /ˌpɝspəˈɹeɪʃən/
Etymology Borrowed from late Middle French perspiration, from perspirer (“perspire”), from Latin perspirare (“to blow or breathe constantly”), from per (“through”) + spirare (“to breathe, blow”). Morphologically perspire + -ation.
1
Usually The action or process of perspiring.
- The Cauſe may be Want of Perſpiration : For Much of the Matter of Haire, in the other Parts of the Body, goeth forth by Inſenſible Perſpiration ; And beſides, the Skull being of a more ſolide Subſtance, nouriſheth and aſſimilateth leſſe, and excerneth more.1627, Francis Bacon, Sylva Sylvarum: or, A Naturall Historie, London: W. Lee, Cent. VII, section 680, page 170
2
Metonymically, Usually Synonym of hard work.
- Genius is 1 per cent. inspiration and 99 per cent. perspiration.1910, Frank Lewis Dyer, Thomas Commerford Martin, quoting Thomas Edison, Edison: His Life and Inventions, volume II, New York: Harper & Brothers, page 607:
3
Usually Sweat (fluid).
- Passing his hand across his forehead he withdrew it, wet with drops of perspiration.1897, Marie Corelli, “Chapter II”, in Ziska: The Problem of a Wicked Soul, New York: Stone & Kimball, page 58:
- Related terms
- perspire, transpiration