convection

noun

con·​vec·​tion kən-ˈvek-shən How to pronounce convection (audio)
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 How to pronounce convection (audio)
-shə-nᵊl
adjective

Examples of convection in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web
These examples are automatically compiled from online sources to illustrate current usage. Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback about these examples.
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 Vigorous movements driven by Earth's rotation and convection currents of the electrically conductive liquid create a magnetic field, which shields the planet and helps to sustain all life, protecting it from damaging solar winds and harmful cosmic radiation. David Bressan, Forbes, 12 Sep. 2024 See all Example Sentences for convection 

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

Time Traveler
The first known use of convection was circa 1623

Dictionary Entries Near convection

Cite this Entry

“Convection.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/convection. Accessed 10 Nov. 2024.

Kids Definition

convection

noun
con·​vec·​tion kən-ˈvek-shən How to pronounce convection (audio)
: 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 How to pronounce convection (audio)
-shən-ᵊl
adjective
convective
-ˈvek-tiv
adjective

Medical Definition

convection

noun
con·​vec·​tion kən-ˈvek-shən How to pronounce convection (audio)
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 adjective
convective adjective

More from Merriam-Webster on convection

Last Updated: - Updated example sentences
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