Transpiration

2 definitions found

From The Collaborative International Dictionary of English v.0.48 [gcide]:

  Transpiration \Tran`spi*ra"tion\, n. [F. transpiration.]
     1. (Physiol.) The act or process of transpiring or excreting
        in the form of vapor; exhalation, as through the skin or
        other membranes of the body; as, pulmonary transpiration,
        or the excretion of aqueous vapor from the lungs.
        Perspiration is a form of transpiration. --Cudworth.


        [1913 Webster]
  
     2. (bot.) The evaporation of water, or exhalation of aqueous
        vapor, from cells and masses of tissue.
        [1913 Webster]
  
     3. (Physics) The passing of gases through fine tubes, porous
        substances, or the like; as, transpiration through
        membranes.
        [1913 Webster]

From WordNet (r) 2.0 [wn]:

  transpiration
       n 1: the passage of gases through fine tubes because of
            differences in pressure or temperature
       2: the process of givng off or exhaling water vapor through the
          skin or mucous membranes
       3: the emission of water vapor from the leaves of plants