conduction

noun

con·​duc·​tion kən-ˈdək-shən 

1

: the act of conducting or conveying

2

a

: transmission through or by means of a conductor

also : the transfer of heat through matter by communication of kinetic energy from particle to particle with no net displacement of the particles compare convection, radiation

b

: conductivity

3

: the transmission of excitation through living tissue and especially nervous tissue

Examples of conduction in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web

Electrons passing through the two paths pass through the conduction states and through slightly different cross-sectional areas of the nanowire, causing their oscillations at different periods, thereby producing the beating pattern. — Ameya Paleja, Interesting Engineering, 4 Sep. 2026

Community response immediately cast doubt as to whether the product will really use bone conduction technology to produce audio. — Paul Monckton, Forbes.com, 7 July 2026

The sun's energy reaches the ground, which then warms the air through the process of conduction and convection. — Trey Fulbright, CBS News, 1 July 2026

In order to meet this challenge, Bassil used carbon nanotubes that form layers one one-hundredth the thickness of a human hair (instead of metal oxides that need to heat up) as the conduction material. — Shirl Leigh june 26, New Atlas, 26 June 2026

Word History

Etymology

borrowed from Medieval Latin conductiōn-, conductiō "gathering, muster, leadership, command, hire," going back to Latin, "taking of a lease, bringing together the premises of an argument," from condūcere "to bring together, join, hire, accept a contract for" (Medieval Latin also "to lead, escort, provide a channel for [water]") + -tiōn-, -tiō, suffix of verbal action — more at conduce

First Known Use

1534, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Phrases Containing conduction

• conduction band

Rhymes for conduction

• abduction
• adduction
• construction
• deduction
• destruction
• eduction
• induction
• instruction
• obstruction
• production
• reduction
• seduction

Kids Definition

conduction

noun

con·​duc·​tion kən-ˈdək-shən 

1

: the act of conducting or conveying

2

a

: passage through a conductor

b

: conductivity

3

: the passage of a reaction to a stimulus through living and especially nerve tissue

Medical Definition

conduction

noun

con·​duc·​tion kən-ˈdək-shən 

1

a

: transmission through or by means of a conductor

also : the transfer of heat through matter by communication of kinetic energy from particle to particle with no net displacement of the particles

b

: conductivity

2

: the transmission of excitation through living tissue and especially nervous tissue

conduction of impulses to the brain