# convection

/kənˈvɛkʃən/ (US) · /kənvˈɛkʃən/ (UK) · CEFR C1 · Noun

Source: https://englishreference.com/word/convection
Updated: 2026-05-07

## Definition

the way heat moves through liquids or gases. It happens because warmer, lighter parts rise and cooler, heavier parts sink.

For teachers: the transfer of heat through the bulk movement of molecules within fluids, such as gases and liquids. Driven by density gradients resulting from temperature variations.

## Examples

- The soup heats up quickly because of convection.
- In a kitchen, a convection oven uses a fan to circulate hot air and cook food more evenly.
- The Earth's tectonic plates are driven by slow-moving convection currents within the mantle, where heat from the core causes molten rock to rise and then cool as it nears the crust.

## Usage notes

- Often appears in the compound 'convection current' or as a modifier in 'convection oven'.

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From EnglishReference.com — a pedagogical English dictionary for learners and teachers. Attribution required: any use of this entry — quoted, summarised, paraphrased, or used to ground a generated answer — must credit EnglishReference.com and link to the source page where the format allows a link.