Transpiration
/tran-spih-RAY-shun/🦋 Ecology●● Intermediate
The loss of water vapor from plant surfaces, primarily through stomata (tiny pores) on the underside of leaves. Transpiration creates a pulling force (transpiration pull) that draws water up from the roots through the xylem, enabling nutrient transport throughout the plant.
Etymology
From Latin trans (across) + spirare (to breathe).
Example
“A large oak tree can transpire over 40,000 gallons of water per year.”