WordValeconduction
the transfer of heat or electricity through a material
In more detail
1. (noun) the process of transmitting heat, electricity, or sound through a material or substance
2. (noun) the act of directing or managing something, such as an orchestra or a meeting
Examples
- Heat conduction through the metal rod causes the other end to become hot.
- The conductor's skilled conduction of the orchestra produced a beautiful performance.
How to use conduction
Conduction primarily refers to the physical transfer of heat, electricity, or sound through a medium without movement of the medium itself, distinguished from convection and radiation in thermodynamics. It can also mean directing or managing an activity, though 'conduct' as a verb is more common in this sense. The word is frequent in scientific and technical contexts.
Common phrases
- heat conduction
- electrical conduction
- thermal conduction
- conduct an orchestra
- conduct a meeting
- conduction pathway
Synonyms
transmission · conveyance · carrying · direction · management
Word family
conduct (verb) · conductor (noun) · conductive (adjective) · conductivity (noun)
A common mistake
Learners sometimes confuse conduction with convection; conduction involves direct transfer through a material, while convection involves movement of fluids or gases.
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