Transpiration

/ˌtrænspəˈreɪʃən/ noun

Definition

The process by which plants release water vapor into the air through tiny openings in their leaves.

Etymology

From French *transpiration* and Latin *transpirare* “to breathe through,” from *trans-* “through” + *spirare* “to breathe.” At first it referred to the slow escape of moisture, then became a technical biology term.

Kelly Says

A forest is like a giant, living humidifier: trees “exhale” water into the air all day long. In big forests like the Amazon, transpiration actually helps create clouds and even affects rainfall patterns far away.

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