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-shnəl How to pronounce convection (audio)
-shə-nᵊl
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.
Cuisinart air fryer and convection toaster oven: $219.95 (33% off) Original price: $330 This versatile kitchen appliance combines the functions of several countertop devices into one to save space. Nora Colomer May Earn A Commission If You Buy Through Our Referral Links. This Content Was Created By A Team That Works Independently From The Fox Newsroom., FOXNews.com, 13 June 2025 And waters in the Gulf of Mexico are extremely warm right now, providing ample fuel for the convection that drives tropical cyclones. Andrea Thompson, Scientific American, 30 May 2025 The convection toaster oven has presets for seven cooking modes, including broil, bake, convection bake, air fry, toast, slow cook, and warm. Terri Williams, Architectural Digest, 17 Apr. 2025 The problem is that the early Moon's small core had a mantle that wasn't much cooler than its core, so there would not have been significant convection to produce a sufficiently strong dynamo. Jennifer Ouellette, ArsTechnica, 23 May 2025 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

Browse Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

“Convection.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/convection. Accessed 18 Jun. 2025.

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 adjective
convective adjective

More from Merriam-Webster on convection

Last Updated: - Updated example sentences
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