What is the term for profuse, heavy sweating?

The term for profuse, heavy sweating is diaphoresis. This condition is characterized by excessive sweating that can occur in various situations, often as a response to heat, exercise, or stress. Diaphoresis can also indicate an underlying health condition, such as fever or anxiety.

Hyperhidrosis refers to excessive sweating but is generally used to describe a chronic condition where sweating occurs without an identifiable stimulus, often localized to specific areas of the body. Hypohidrosis is the opposite of hyperhidrosis, indicating reduced sweating, which may lead to overheating in hot environments. Perspiration, while commonly used to describe the process of sweating normally, does not specifically refer to the excessive nature of the sweat production described by diaphoresis. Thus, the term that best captures the essence of heavy sweating in this context is diaphoresis.