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-sh(ə-)nəl How to pronounce convection (audio)
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.
Located just 48 light-years from Earth, this white dwarf has a deep convection zone that carries carbon from its core to its surface. — Robert Lea, Space.com, 15 Oct. 2026 This white dwarf is only 48 light-years away from Earth, and has a deep convection zone. — Laura Baisas, Popular Science, 15 Oct. 2026 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 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

Phrases Containing convection

Rhymes for convection

See All Rhymes for convection

Browse Nearby Words

convect
convection
convectional
See all Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

“Convection.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/convection. Accessed 20 Oct. 2026.

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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
-shnəl, -shən-ᵊl How to pronounce convection (audio)
adjective
convective
-ˈvek-tiv How to pronounce convection (audio)
adjective

More from Merriam-Webster on convection

Britannica.com: Encyclopedia article about convection

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