antiperspirants
|an-ti-per-spir-ants|
🇺🇸
/ˌæn.tiˈspɪr.ənt/
🇬🇧
/ˌæn.tiˈspɪə.rənt/
(antiperspirant)
prevent sweat
Etymology
'antiperspirant' originates from English components 'anti-' (against) and the verb 'perspire', ultimately from Latin 'perspirare', where 'per-' meant 'through' and 'spirare' meant 'to breathe'.
'perspire' comes from Latin 'perspirare' (to breathe through); in English 'perspire' came to mean 'to emit sweat'. The modern compound 'antiperspirant' was formed in English by combining 'anti-' + 'perspirant' in the late 19th to early 20th century to name products that prevent sweating.
Initially, the Latin root 'perspirare' meant 'to breathe through'; over time 'perspire' in English came to mean 'to emit sweat', and 'antiperspirant' came to mean 'a substance that prevents or reduces sweating'.
Meanings by Part of Speech
Noun 1
a substance or product applied to the skin (usually under the arms) to reduce or prevent perspiration by temporarily blocking or reducing the activity of sweat glands.
Many people use antiperspirants to stay dry during hot weather.
Synonyms
Adjective 1
having the property of reducing or preventing perspiration.
Antiperspirants products are often marketed for people who sweat heavily.
Synonyms
Last updated: 2025/09/06 15:08