Dictionary

convection

noun con·vec·tion \kən-ˈvek-shən\

: movement in a gas or liquid in which the warmer parts move up and the colder parts move down; also : the transfer of heat by this movement

Full Definition of CONVECTION

1
:  the action or process of conveying
2
a :  the circulatory motion that occurs in a fluid at a nonuniform temperature owing to the variation of its density and the action of gravity
b :  the transfer of heat by convection — compare conduction, radiation
con·vec·tion·al \-shnəl, -shə-nəl\ adjective
ADVERTISEMENT

Origin of CONVECTION

Late Latin convection-, convectio, from Latin convehere to bring together, from com- + vehere to carry — more at way
First Known Use: circa 1623

Other Physics Terms

amplitude, centrifugal, centripetal, gradient, hysteresis, kinetic, lase, quantum
CONVECTIONAL Defined for Kids

convection

noun con·vec·tion \kən-ˈvek-shən\

Definition of CONVECTION for Kids

:  motion in a gas (as air) or a liquid in which the warmer portions rise and the colder portions sink <Heat can be transferred by convection.>
Medical Dictionary

convection

noun con·vec·tion \kən-ˈvek-shən\

Medical Definition of CONVECTION

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
con·vec·tion·al \-shnəl, -shən-əl\ adjective
con·vec·tive \-ˈvek-tiv\ adjective

Browse

Next Word in the Dictionary: convection currentPrevious Word in the Dictionary: convectAll Words Near: convection
ADVERTISEMENT
How to use a word that (literally) drives some people nuts.
Test your vocab with our fun, fast game
Ailurophobia, and 9 other unusual fears