convection

 
Pronunciation: /kənˈvɛkʃ(ə)n/

noun

[mass noun]
  • the movement caused within a fluid by the tendency of hotter and therefore less dense material to rise, and colder, denser material to sink under the influence of gravity, which consequently results in transfer of heat: the final transfer of energy to the surface is by convection upward convection in the troposphere carries water vapour and sulphur dioxide above the clouds

Derivatives

convectional

adjective

convective

adjective

Origin:

mid 19th century: from late Latin convectio(n-), from Latin convehere, from con- 'together' + vehere 'carry'