The term for the process by which plants lose water is called transpiration. This process involves the movement of water from the soil into plants, through the roots, and ultimately to the atmosphere via small openings in the leaves known as stomata. Transpiration helps regulate plant temperature, facilitates nutrient uptake, and contributes to the water cycle by returning water vapor to the air. Environmental factors like temperature, humidity, and wind can influence the rate of transpiration, making it a crucial process for plant health and ecosystem balance.