transpire

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The Word of the Day for March 10 is:

transpire   \tran-SPY-er\   verb 
     1 : to give off vaporous material; specifically : to give off or exude 
watery vapor especially from the surfaces of leaves
     2 : to become known or apparent : develop
    *3 : to take place : go on, occur

Example sentence: 
     The police are still trying to determine what really transpired on the 
night of the accident.

Did you know? 
     "Transpire" came to life in the late 16th century and was originally used 
in technical contexts to describe the passage of vapor through the pores of a 
membrane. From this technical use developed a figurative sense: "to escape from 
secrecy," or "to become known." That sense was often used in ambiguous contexts 
and could be taken to mean "happen." (For example, Emily Dickinson wrote in a 
letter, "I long to see you once more... to tell you of many things which have 
transpired since we parted.") Thus the "to take place" sense developed. Around 
1870, usage critics began to attack this sense as a misuse, and modern critics 
occasionally echo that sentiment. But the sense has been common for two 
centuries and today is found in serious and polished prose. 

*Indicates the sense illustrated by the example sentence.






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