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
Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to show current usage. Read More Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.
Scattered moderate to locally strong convection is noted off the coast of Panama and Costa Rica. Marley Malenfant, Austin American-Statesman, 22 Aug. 2024 That's a compelling sign that the surface is young, and refreshed by the convection of warmer ice from below. Joel Achenbach, arkansasonline.com, 20 Oct. 2024 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 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 2 Dec. 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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