Perspiration

/ˌpɝːspəˈreɪʃən/ noun

Definition

Sweat produced by the body, usually when exercising or in hot weather; the process of sweating.

Etymology

From Latin 'perspiratio' derived from 'perspirare' (to breathe through), combining 'per-' (through) and 'spirare' (to breathe). Romans originally thought sweat came from the body breathing through the skin.

Kelly Says

The Romans thought sweat was literally your body 'breathing through the skin'—and they weren't entirely wrong scientifically! Your skin does exchange things with the environment, and sweat is part of that process. This misunderstanding actually created a beautiful metaphor that stuck around for 2,000 years.

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