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

The museum team used passive convection cooling via a steel rack chassis and aluminum tray mounts for each Mac Mini. — ArsTechnica, 9 Oct. 2026

However, the fluid nature of water causes internal convection that rapidly transfers heat from the hot electrode to the cold electrode without generating additional power. — Mrigakshi Dixit, Interesting Engineering, 8 Oct. 2026

On Earth, that process is simple — but also a strain on local resources — as data centers make use of the simple physics of convection. — Jackie Wattles, CNN Money, 1 Oct. 2026

Stellar activity, such as starspots, convection, and other magnetic activity, is very good at producing signals that look incredibly planetary. — Alix Freckelton, Space.com, 8 Sep. 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