The term for the process in which plants release water vapor is "transpiration." Transpiration occurs when water, absorbed by plant roots from the soil, moves through the plant and evaporates from small pores in the leaves called stomata. This process is critical for the plant's nutrient transport and cooling mechanisms. Transpiration also plays a vital role in the water cycle, as water vapor released into the atmosphere contributes to cloud formation and precipitation. Environmental factors like temperature, humidity, and wind can influence the rate of transpiration, making it an essential aspect of plant physiology and ecosystem functioning.