convection

noun

con·​vec·​tion kən-ˈvek-shən 

1

: the action or process of conveying

2

a

: movement in a gas or liquid in which the warmer parts move up and the cooler parts move down

convection currents

b

: the transfer of heat by convection

foods cooked by convection

compare conduction, radiation

convectional

kən-ˈvek-shnəl 

-shə-nᵊl

adjective

Examples of convection in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web

That's a compelling sign that the surface is young, and refreshed by the convection of warmer ice from below. —Joel Achenbach, arkansasonline.com, 20 Oct. 2024

This condensation produces more heat, leading to even more powerful convection, and the end result is known as a pyrocumulus (or, in more extreme cases, pyrocumulonimbus) cloud. —Ned Kleiner, Los Angeles Times, 22 Sep. 2024

Also, the storm’s center is currently threading the needle between Cuba and Mexico; this keeps it over water, allowing the convection that powers the core of tropical systems to continue getting fuel in the form of heat and moisture. —Andrea Thompson, Scientific American, 25 Sep. 2024

Clearly visible is a process called convection, where big hot bubbles of gas carry energy from the core to the surface, then cool down and sink again. —Michael Irving, New Atlas, 12 Sep. 2024

Word History

Etymology

Late Latin convection-, convectio, from Latin convehere to bring together, from com- + vehere to carry — more at way

First Known Use

circa 1623, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Phrases Containing convection

• convection oven

Kids Definition

convection

noun

con·​vec·​tion kən-ˈvek-shən 

: motion in a gas or liquid in which the warmer portions rise and the colder portions sink

also : the transfer of heat by this motion

convectional

-shnəl 

-shən-ᵊl

adjective

convective

-ˈvek-tiv

adjective

Medical Definition

convection

noun

con·​vec·​tion kən-ˈvek-shən 

1

: the circulatory motion that occurs in a fluid at a nonuniform temperature owing to the variation of its density and the action of gravity

2

: the transfer of heat by convection in a fluid

convectional

-shnəl, -shən-ᵊl 

adjective

convective

-ˈvek-tiv 

adjective