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

Researchers refined these models and enhanced their resolution in the past decade, creating a sharper picture of how severe weather forms, particularly the kinds of storms that allow the convection needed to create supercells. —Umair Irfan, Vox, 21 June 2024

That helium has nowhere to go, as the deep convection cycles that constantly churn material within the Sun don’t reach into the core where the helium is formed. —Paul Sutter, Ars Technica, 16 Apr. 2024

While convection is the main driver, the fronts power about 25 percent of Jupiter’s cyclones and 40 percent of the planet’s vertical heat transport. —Laura Baisas, Popular Science, 6 June 2024

The cold plates absorb heat by convection, transferring the heat to the coolant tube that runs through it. —IEEE Spectrum, 31 May 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