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-shnəl 

-shə-nᵊl

adjective

Examples of convection in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web

Adam Moss from the University of Oklahoma, one of the lead authors of the study, and his team believe that magnetic fields can impact the convection of a white dwarf—process that brings helium-rich material to the surface of the star—and this alters its the fundamental composition. —Matt Robison, MSNBC Newsweek, 15 Apr. 2025

The combi function can be used for convection plus microwave, and also broil plus microwave. —Terri Williams, Architectural Digest, 17 Apr. 2025

Grease tends to drip or fly around in unexpected ways, especially if your oven has a convection or air fryer fan. —Matthew Korfhage, WIRED, 16 Mar. 2025

This, in turn, affects convection in the outer core—the dynamo-like process that generates the magnetic field that protects life on Earth from harmful cosmic rays. —Gordon G. Chang, Newsweek, 3 Mar. 2025

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