noun

convection

/kənˈvɛkʃən/ · say it: kuhn·VEK·shuhn

heat transfer by the movement of a fluid

In Science & Nature

In more detail

1. (noun) the movement of heat through a liquid or gas as the hot part rises and the cold part sinks

2. (noun) the process by which heat is transferred from one place to another by the movement of a fluid

Examples

Heat from the stove rises by convection in a pot of boiling water.
Convection currents in the ocean help distribute warmth around the Earth.

How to use convection

Convection is a technical term used primarily in physics, meteorology, and engineering to describe heat transfer through moving fluids. It is distinct from conduction (heat transfer through direct contact) and radiation (transfer through electromagnetic waves). The term appears in both everyday and specialized contexts, from cooking appliances to atmospheric science.

Common phrases

convection current
convection oven
natural convection
forced convection
convection cell

Synonyms

circulation · fluid flow · heat transfer

Word family

convective (adjective) · convectively (adverb)

A common mistake

Learners sometimes confuse convection with conduction or fail to recognize that convection requires fluid movement; convection cannot occur in solids.

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