'perspirant' originates from Latin, specifically the word 'perspirare', where 'per-' meant 'through' and 'spirare' meant 'to breathe.'

'perspirant' developed from the Latin verb 'perspirare' (to breathe through/emit vapor), entered Late Latin and Middle English as forms related to 'perspire' and later formed the English adjective/noun 'perspirant' by adding the suffix '-ant.'

Initially it meant 'to breathe through' or 'to emit vapor,' but over time it evolved to the narrower meaning 'to emit sweat' and to describe substances that cause or relate to perspiration.