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-sh(ə-)nəl 

adjective

Examples of convection in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web

That means magnetized and unmagnetized gas can blend into each other; cool material from the edges of the convection cells can leak into the magnetic regions, altering how heat moves just beneath the visible surface. — Jacek Krywko, ArsTechnica, 7 Aug. 2026

When ready to bake, preheat the oven to 375°F (or 350°F on the convection setting). — Shafiq Najib, ABC News, 4 Aug. 2026

Satellite imagery shows the low-level center displaced north of the deepest thunderstorms, with most of the intense convection located south and southeast of the center over the Gulf. — Brandi D. Addison, USA Today, 21 July 2026

Convection microwaves combine traditional microwave cooking with a convection fan that circulates hot air around food. — Jessica Safavimehr, Southern Living, 18 July 2026

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

Rhymes for convection

• abjection
• advection
• affection
• bijection
• bisection
• collection
• complexion
• confection
• connection
• connexion
• correction
• defection

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