convection

con·vec·tion

noun \kən-ˈvek-shən\

Definition of CONVECTION

1

: the action or process of conveying

2

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

b : the transfer of heat by convection — compare conduction, radiation

— con·vec·tion·al \-shnəl, -shə-n^əl\ adjective

Origin of CONVECTION

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

First Known Use: circa 1623

Other Physics Terms

amplitude, centrifugal, centripetal, gradient, hysteresis, kinetic, lase, quantum

Rhymes with CONVECTION

abjection, advection, affection, bisection, collection, complexion, confection, connection, correction, cross section, C-section, defection, deflection, dejection, detection, direction, ejection, election, erection, infection, inflection, injection, inspection, midsection, objection, perfection, prelection, projection, protection, refection, reflection, rejection, resection, selection, subjection, subsection, trajection, transection, trisection

con·vec·tion

noun \kən-ˈvek-shən\   (Medical Dictionary)

Medical Definition of CONVECTION

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

—con·vec·tion·al \-shnəl, -shən-^əl\ (audio pronunciation) adjective

—con·vec·tive \-ˈvek-tiv\ (audio pronunciation) adjective

convection

noun    (Concise Encyclopedia)

Process by which heat is transferred by movement of a heated fluid such as air or water. Most fluids expand when heated. They become less dense and more buoyant, and so rise. The heated molecules eventually cool, become more dense, and sink. This repeated process sets up convection currents that account for the uniform heating of the air in a room or water in a kettle. Air convection can be forced by a fan, and water convection by a pump. Atmospheric convection currents can be set up by local heating effects such as solar radiation or contact with cold surfaces. Such currents are usually vertical and account for atmospheric phenomena such as clouds and thunderstorms.