Convection

Pronunciation

• IPA: /kÉ™nˈvÉ›kʃən/
• Rhymes: -É›kʃən

Alternative forms

• convexion

Origin

From Latin convectionem, from convectio ("act of carrying"), from convect-, past participle of convehere ("to carry together"), combination of com- and vehere.

Full definition of convection

Noun

1. The process of conveying something.
2. (physics) The transmission of heat in a fluid or gas by the circulation of currents.
3. (meteorology) The vertical movement of heat and moisture, especially by updrafts and downdrafts in an unstable air mass. The terms convection and thunderstorm are often used interchangeably, although thunderstorms are only one form of convection. Towering cumulus clouds are visible forms of convection.

Coordinate terms

• (physics) conduction, radiation

Derived terms

• forced convection
• free convection
• gravitational convection