v. i. [ imp. & p. p. Transpired p. pr. & vb. n. Transpiring. ] [ F. transpirer; L. trans across, through + spirare to breathe. See Spirit. ] 1. (Physiol.) To pass off in the form of vapor or insensible perspiration; to exhale. [ 1913 Webster ] 2. (Bot.) To evaporate from living cells. [ 1913 Webster ] 3. To escape from secrecy; to become public; as, the proceedings of the council soon transpired. [ 1913 Webster ] The story of Paulina's and Maximilian's mutual attachment had transpired through many of the travelers. De Quincey. [ 1913 Webster ] 4. To happen or come to pass; to occur. [ 1913 Webster ] ☞ This sense of the word, which is of comparatively recent introduction, is common in the United States, especially in the language of conversation and of newspaper writers, and is used to some extent in England. Its use, however, is censured by critics of both countries. [ 1913 Webster ] |