transpiration

Pronunciation

Noun B2 Upper-intermediate

The loss of water vapor from a plant's leaves, mainly through tiny pores called stomata.

"On a hot afternoon, you can sometimes see mist rising from a forest canopy as transpiration speeds up."

Usage notes

This word is often paired with 'pull', as in 'transpiration pull', to describe how it helps draw water up through a plant's stem.

Which word fits the gap? "On a hot afternoon, you can sometimes see mist rising from a forest canopy as _____ speeds up."

Answer: transpiration

In your own words, what does "transpiration" mean?

The loss of water vapor from a plant's leaves, mainly through tiny pores called stomata.