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.
The sun's energy reaches the ground, which then warms the air through the process of conduction and convection. — Trey Fulbright, CBS News, 1 July 2026 That means the best heat-removal mechanisms, conduction and convection, are off the table. — IEEE Spectrum, 11 June 2026 Air fryers use convection heating to circulate hot air, ensuring even browning without drying out the bagel. — Riley Wofford, Martha Stewart, 28 June 2026 At the very least, portions of the central/northern Plains will be impacted by outflow from earlier convection. — Brandi D. Addison, USA Today, 2 July 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 7 Jul. 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

Nglish: Translation of convection for Spanish Speakers

Britannica.com: Encyclopedia article about convection

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